A.D. Rattray Cask Speyside 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Sourced from one of Scotland’s most prestigious Highland distilleries, this soft, sweet and gentle malt aims to capture the hallmarks of a classic Speysider. Slightly lean and 'acidic', the aromas suggest green apples with a grassy / white pepper edge developing malt richness over time. There's a subtle peat input too, in the form of distant wood smoke that carries through to the palate; Crisp and green, reflecting the nose, the malt takes on a biscuity character, like black pepper water crackers. The finish is lively and warming, but adding water improves the balance. A drier aperitif style that drinks like a full-bodied blend. Re-fill bourbon casks, un-coloured and non-chill-filtered. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... An elegant and lightly smoked malt which would double either as a pre-prandial dram or one for the wooden hill. 89 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2021

Notes from the bottlers... Colour: Golden shimmer. Nose: Zesty lemon, creamy vanilla fudge, subtle mint and jasmine blossom. Palate: A silky texture exuding barley sugar and hazelnut, livened with cinnamon.  Finish: Concluding with malt biscuit and black pepper.