Taster

Nose: Slightly earthy and leathery, with citrus fruit, mixed spices and cocoa powder.

Palate: Viscous in the mouth, with a surprisingly big, spicy hit of sweet, fruity sherry. This dries back to raisins, countered by honey and vanilla.

Finish: Very long, and spicy to the end, with a sherry and orange tang.

Comment: We tend to think that Balblair’s spirit character is best suited by ex-Bourbon barrels, but this is a good example of how well it handles sherry wood, too.

Score: 8.6

Taster

Nose: Leather and woody aromas come to the fore along with rich, dried fruits.\n

Palate: Rich and sweet initially, making way from dry, spicy notes from those sherry butts.

Finish: Long-lasting, sweet vanilla mixes warming spice.

Comment: Quite an intense, complex dram. A little water helps this whisky really bloom.

Score: 7.9