These single cask expressions are always interesting, especially when Dave Stewart is invovled in the delightful task of selecting them.
With roughly 650 bottles being taken from each one, there is fun to be had in comparing different bottling from differing casks, as each will be slightly different with their own unique characteristics.
The abv for this bottling is also of note, coming in as it does at a relatively high 47.8%, some may prefer a slight touch of water to really open this whisky up.
The nose is a sweet clean aroma of raspberries and toffee, like the sweetest of desserts. Strangely, it also reminded me of the wonderful smell of those rubber bouncy balls, you were given as children.
The first taste was slightly drier than I was expecting but with a wonderful richness that coated the mouth, with the raspberries and fruit really shining through.
The finish was just the right side of long lasting and had me smacking my lips and ready for more.
Rating: A very solid 78%, an enjoyable dram that’s definitely going to please the sherry heads.
Cask type: Olorosso Sherry
Abv: 47.8%
Age: 15 years old
Region: Speyside
One for fans of: Aberlour, Glendronach, Macallan (older bottlings like the original 10, or 12 year olds)