Knockando 18 Years Old 1998 Slow Matured (43%, OB, 2016)

• ABV: 43%
• Age: 18 Years Old
• Bottling: OB
• Category: Speyside single malt scotch whisky
• Cost: £52.95
• Origin: Knockando distillery
• Vintage:  1998

What they say

An 18 year old single malt that is part of the Slow Matured series from Speyside’s Knockando. This particular edition was distilled in 1998 and matured in sherry casks until it was bottled.

MoM tasting notes:

• Nose: Plenty of dried fruit, orange rind and sweet oak leads among nutmeg and oily walnuts.
• Palate: Baked apples, sticky toffee and toasted almonds combine among flickers of hot cinnamon.
• Finish: Sherried malt and honey lingers.

What I say

Distilled at Knockando distillery during the 1998 season and bottled at 18 years old.

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Bright rose gold (12/20) medium tears, thick legs.
• Nose: Fresh, more zesty, lime, orange, grapefruit, fresher milled barley, cointreau, chocolate/orange, jaffa cakes, fresh linen, floral orange blossom, walnut.
• Taste: Medium-bodied, creamy, fresh, lemon meringue pie, toffee apples, raisin, sherry, woody oak, chocolate, almond, walnut, creme brulee, chocolate and orange cheesecake.
• Finish: Long, zesty/spirity initially, orange liqueur, chocolate chip and orange zest brioche.

Overall

Much fresher and zestier then the 1994 expression, much more barley influence is discernible here and a much better balance is struck because of it. Plenty of chocolate and orange notes combine well and are prevented from becoming too heavy/cloying by a grapefruit zest freshness.

Score 86/100

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