A gorgeous third-fill sherry butt here from celebrated but lesser-seen Speyside giant, Allt-a-Bhainne. It’s a fascinating maker – built in the 1970s to be a super-slick, single-operator site – and today it is renowned for its light, zesty spirit. Aged for 16 long years in a third-fill sherry butt, all that brightness remains in this Vintage Reserve bottling, but with thick, sticky, dried fruits and dense spice notes amped up. A perfect autumn whisky.
Nose: The nose opens with luxurious tiramisu and milk chocolate notes, backed by rich tea biscuits and a smattering of fresh ginger. With time, floral honey, nutmeg and cinnamon doughnut notes arrive, as well as raisin, sticky toffee pudding and fig rolls. Honeycomb and a hint of tomato leaf add depth.
Palate: Sweet pastry notes, figs and raisins continue on the palate, alongside red fruits, cola cubes and festive spices. Cream icing, speculoos and vanilla sponge cake contribute a decadent sweetness, while white milk bottle sweets bring in a confectionery-driven top note.
Finish: Long with aromatic earthiness and orchard sweet fruits.
Nose: The nose opens with luxurious tiramisu and milk chocolate notes, backed by rich tea biscuits and a smattering of fresh ginger. With time, floral honey, nutmeg and cinnamon doughnut notes arrive, as well as raisin, sticky toffee pudding and fig rolls. Honeycomb and a hint of tomato leaf add depth.
Palate: Sweet pastry notes, figs and raisins continue on the palate, alongside red fruits, cola cubes and festive spices. Cream icing, speculoos and vanilla sponge cake contribute a decadent sweetness, while white milk bottle sweets bring in a confectionery-driven top note.
Finish: Long with aromatic earthiness and orchard sweet fruits.
Age: 16 years old
Strength: 64% abv
High Proof | Non-Chill Filtered | No Colouring Added