TASTE without water

Rich fruit cake, rum and raisin flavours initially, which combine with an underlying hint of dark chocolate.

AROMA with water

Charred oak, beeswax polish and Sherry notes combine with hints of apple peel.

TASTE with water

Sweet with sherry influences, raisins and subtle almond flavours. Orange citrus and a milk chocolate edge develop.

What I say:

A cask strength Balblair expression matured for 21 years in a 1st fill sherry puncheon by Gordon & MacPhails, should tick all the right boxes as I love sherry monsters and the colour on this alone fits that bill.

Colour:

Dark burnished bronze (16/20), medium-fine oily streaks

Nose:

Molasses, treacle, cola syrup, fragrant florality, meaty, nutty, deep & rich dried fruits; raisins, prunes

Taste:

Nutty, molasses, treacle, raisins, cherry liqueur, toasted oak wood, brown bread, iron/brass pennies/coppery metallic

Finish:

Medium-length, toasted nuts and burnt/over-caramelised sugars

Overall:

Sadly too much dried fruit and a little over-toasted/burnt tasting, perhaps I was having an off day as I don’t know where such an unusual metallic taste came from in a whisky of this age – probably needs water to get the best from it but I didn’t have enough to try.

Score: 81/100

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