Full bodied, rich and almost chewy, this traditional Speyside single malt definitely benefits from the finish in Virgin Oak casks. Usually flowery and citrusy at the nose, this whisky actually shows here a fruitier, sweeter, more honeyed side: almost buttery and raisiny at times, with bananas, apples and a dash of vanilla. At the palate it’s definitely mouthcoating, honeyed but without being cloying, robust and powerful. The contribution from the oak is not particularly tannic, but there definitely is a touch of spice towards the end. There is also an impression of sweet dessert wine in its raisiny fruitiness, which is unusual considering that it was not matured in wine casks. All this richness, though, does not come at the expense of balance and freshness.