This new release at cask strength of a classic Speysider fully benefits from the extra year of maturation in a Pedro Ximenez cask, with all the raisiny goodness of the Spanish dessert wine. It’s a flowery whisky with a marked fruity character: candied oranges, apricots, and a hint of dried dates and figs. Full bodied, slightly winey at the nose, it has a buttery and fat mouthfeel: in spite of the high strength, it remains smooth and creamy. The initial malty firmness, with toasted cereals and even a touch of beeswax, is soon matched by pastry-like sweetness, but the style turns spicy and lively towards the end. Perfectly suited as a dessert whisky, but a little water will release its fresher and drier aromas of blood oranges.