Auchentoshan The Last Drop 40 Year Old, Cask #1054, Release No. 34, 1982, The Last Drop, 44.8%

Rich caramel and dark fruit are balanced by savoury tea, oak and warming spices, so this doesn’t read as simply sweet. The ginger cake and malt character add appeal, though it seems more layered and weighty than a straightforward sweet dram.

Reviewed by BirchCloud

Nose

Old oak, Rich caramel, Oily walnuts, Red apple peel, Plums, Cloves, Star anise

Palate

Dark fruits including raisins, cherries, and plums, Soft sticky ginger cake, Savoury tea, Wood spice with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

Finish

Dark rich fruits, Soft ginger cake, Old oak, Warming spice