The very dry infl uence of the Oloroso sherry butt, in which this Speyside single malt has spent its final 20 months of maturation, is absolutely unmistakeable. Already at the nose it shows its character: quite sharp, very citrusy (lemon peel and bergamot), mineral and also with an organic hint of wet wood. While not particularly winey, the tannic astringency is obvious on the palate. When tasted straight it’s also balanced by a creamy malty sweetness in the background, and the addition of water reduces the overall intensity and tames the edges: but, curiously, it also makes the citrusy notes stand out more clearly compared to the chewy sweetness of the cereals. It gets spicier and spicier in the end, never forgetting its nervous character.