Refined for the last 48 months in a first fill Oloroso sherry butt, this lovely Speyside single malt has a richness of flavours and taste that is very reminiscent in style of sherried whiskies from many decades ago… The nose is rich, with an obvious Oloroso influence: but the nuttiness is well rounded, there are no edges, the winey character is smooth and not aggressive. There’s tamarind, wet clay, nutmeg, dried plums, a hint of raisins. The oaky character is gentle, fragrant but not too spicy: just a touch of wood and wood polish. The same juicy but well-rounded character is found at the palate: old fashioned sherry, mouthcoating but agile, striking a perfect balance between dry and sweet. It’s a sherry monster, yes, but not astringent or exceedingly fruity: just some plums jam. There’s a hint of mint and liquorice, coffee, medicinal herbs, black tea and bitter oranges. A drop of water will make it even more velvety, but it’s not strictly necessary. Towards the end, it gently increases in oakiness, with gentle spices.