2009 Signatory Vintage Exclusive Selection Ink #3 Collection Single Cask Macduff 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Bottled in 2021 from a first-fill sherry butt, cask #900345 was sourced from the Signatory Vintage Company by French retailer, Le Comptoir Irlandais as part of their limited edition 'Ink' series. This very affable Macduff is all about malty richness, conjuring flavours of Ovaltine with a light glaze of sherry and a little dark chocolate. Even though it’s not cask strength, over ice or with minimal water this retains much of its character. A perfect end-of-the-day malt, you'll find it hard to stop at one. 46% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the bottlers... Nose: fine and balanced on a classic Sherry style: fruity and spicy. Palate: a Sherry with lots of fruit (candied citrus fruits) and spices. Finish: chocolatey.

Macduff is located in a fishing port of the same name next to the Moray Firth. The distillery was closed for part of 2022 for upgrades to the distilling equipment. While it's too early to tell if there will be a change of style, keep an eye out for pre-renovation bottlings like this. Scotchwhisky.com comment, "The character is nutty (slightly sulphury at new make stage), with quick mashing, short fermentation and cold condensers. It is this last technique which adds weight to the spirit. It could well be that the kink in the lyne arm helps create just enough reflux to contribute a balancing fruitiness." When mature, it's most commonly found as a middle-ager with the house style tending towards fruity, malty sweetness.