Bladnoch 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Aged exclusively in Oloroso casks, Master Distiller, Dr Nick Savage is particularly pedantic about the barrel selections here, and it shows in what is an elegant, medium-bodied and well managed expression that's bestowed an attractive dryness from the wine input. There is a touch of 'old school' sherry character with precise and nutty oloroso also defined by delicious peel zest and a slightly salty, biscuity charm that by the finish, works into fruit'nut'nut dark chocolate, old leather, warming ginger and trace sulphur. A pleasing contrast to the sherry-bombs of Speyside, it's a whisky that aptly reflects that casks it was matured in. 46.7% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... This baby was born last year. According to the colour, this was not heavy/stuffy sherry. Colour: full gold. Nose: wood smoke and walnuts, both old and fresh, then roasted sesame and coffee-flavoured chocolate, which is not exactly the same thing as coffee and chocolate, mind you. Black nougat too, drop of miso, pipe tobacco from an old leather pouch (in other words, not wham-bam fresh pipe tobacco), and a growing meatiness. Ham and parsley, another winning combo and a great Burgundian specialty (jambon persillé). Mouth: walnuts, toasted cakes, tobacco, a little leather, a little pepper, certainly some nutmeg, a tiny cinnamon mint, some softer beef jerky, Nescafé (no worries), gingerbread… Once more, 46-48% vol. do make for a perfect strength. Finish: rather long, on cloves, walnuts, a little salt and, hold on, Mon Chéri! Sure I can quote brand names, I am not a professional. Comments: extremely good. Now, it's also true that I am a huge fan of olorosos (and amontillados), while this little Bladnoch made every effort to remain very close to that style of wine. 87 points - whiskyfun.com

Notes from the producers... fruit cake, dark chocolate, and subtle sweet cinnamon on the palate.