87 / 100
The ripe apples and orange peel on the nose appeal to my taste for fruit, while the palate brings in malt and dried fruits. Light sherry and oak add another dimension without displacing those notes. I find that relationship more interesting than the sweetness of vanilla and milk chocolate alone. The long finish gives oak a stronger role, with spice, dark chocolate and citrus alongside it. That shift from fruit and malt toward spicy oak is the most persuasive part of this 17 year old Highland single malt for me. It sounds rich, but not narrowly sweet. I would favour it for that range of character, while recognising that the oak-led finish may be the deciding factor for someone who prefers the fruitier opening.
Reviewed by maplewren
- Nose
- ripe apples, orange peel, polished wood
- Palate
- dried fruits, malt, light sherry, oak
- Finish
- long, spicy oak, dark chocolate, citrus