Wolfcraig 14 Year Old Triple Sherry Cask Finish Blended Scotch Whisky (700ml)

There are few more decorated whisky veterans than Richard “The Nose” Paterson. His latest project is a collaboration with Ian Macmillan, a four-decade Master Distiller who's spent time at Bunnahabhain, Tobermory and Deanston. Together they've created three premium blends. Famously claiming to have “rejected more than they selected”, the result is a series which marries the rich heritage of whisky in Scotland with a sense of modern innovation. Sub-titled 'triple cask', the 14 year old is matured in freshly emptied bourbon barrels and finished in three types of sherry casks - Amontillado, Pedro Ximenez and Moscatel, all from Bodega San Andrés, Spain.

Far from your everyday blend, this skillfully composed whisky is geared towards single malt drinkers, or will be a bridge for beginners. In terms of aromatics, mouthfeel and taste, it carries the same gravitas as late middle-aged bottlings of Glenallachie, Glenfarclas or Macallan in a full bodied, sweetly malty, structured arrangement that conjures poached fruits, vanilla bean, cocoa and whiffs of dunnage warehouses. Spiced chutney and hints of peel marmalade complete the profile with oomph and freshness, extending the mid palate length. The impression you're left with is that Wolfcraig is here to make a statement - just how good blends can be when the right creative forces get involved. That goes for the presentation too. The 'cut glass' decanter evokes mid century modern design and adds a sense of refinement appropriate to the liquid, a fair portion of which you'd expect to be considerably older than the label suggests. Wolfcraig's 14 year old is set to remain limited to relatively small batches of around 4500 bottles in order maintain consistency of style and quality control. Tasted from a 50ml sample. 46.1% Alc./Vol.

Notes from the producers... Nose: Warm and appealing. Enchanting and exhilarating as gentle hints of sunkissed raisins, fresh peaches, tangerines and lemon grass evoke a sense of tranquility as they pleasingly drift in perfect harmony. Exciting aromas quickly follow on with nuances of creamy caramel and vanilla delicately dance in the background to complete this portrait of beauty. Taste: Generous and satisfying. There is true elegance in its muscle as succulent figs, sweet sultanas and Napoleon cake reward the palate, with a hint of demerara sugar and molasses. Rich and intense at first but like all good things you must wait; after all it has taken many years to consummate this loving union of different seasoning from the selected casks. The aftertaste of glazed tangerines, marzipan and chocolate mousse with fresh hints of spicy ginger and nutmeg provide the perfect finish to this luxurious blended whisky.