Enhanced for 56 months in a fresh Oloroso sherry butt, this Speyside single malt definitely bears the mark of the Spanish wine, with a spicy and dry character that stands above its fruitiness. At the nose it’s peppery, with notes of balsamic vinegar, but there is a sweeter backbone of sultana raisins and a hint of chestnut honey. In spite of the long finish, the use of a butt has ensured that the winey influence, while obvious, still remains quite balanced. At the palate, it’s initially quite dry and astringent, and it might require a drop of water to reveal cherries, red apples, orange peel and a firm maltiness. The Oloroso returns in full force in the finale, with an increasingly peppery, oxidative, tannic and oaky character. Definitely a whisky for lovers of a very dry sherried style!