Tastes

Nose. Fruity with some Sherry influence. Possibly some malt? Palate. A touch disappointing. Some more Sherry and malt. Finish. Fairly short; a bit of honey and malt lingers.

Nose. Light peat and phenols. Some brine and iodine. A touch of smoky bacon at the end. Palate. Medicinal smoke, vanilla and smoky bacon crisps. Finish. Medium and lacking some depth. Smoky bacon crisps linger. Really not bad for the price you pay. This comes from the same business behind Glengoyne, Tamdhu and Rosebank distilleries, and owners of Smokehead.

Nose. Melon and ripe banana, malt and a touch of vanilla. Palate. Gentle, soft spice and mint. Malty sweetness and some apple. Finish. Medium, with some prunes and brown sugar. There’s also a grassy note that develops.

Nose. The Oloroso influence is immediately obvious; rich Christmas pudding and orange marmalade. Palate. Spicy marmalade. Christmas in a glass. Finish. Very long and warming, with a lovely spicy marmalade flavour that lingers. This whisky has the same new-make base as Henstone’s ex-bourbon editions but was aged in two ex-sherry firkins. You really wouldn’t know that it was as young as it is. Limited to only 161 bottles, snap it up if you get the opportunity.

Nose. Lemon zest and fresh herbs. Palate. Rich, oily and grassy. Finish. Dry but fresh. Lemon and thyme linger.

Nose. Floral, herbal, sourdough bread and buttery shortbread. Palate. Creamy, sweet, bread dough. Finish. Warm, herbal and spicy.

Nose. Nutty Christmas pudding. Palate. Very rich and full-bodied. Candied fruit, raisins, and bread and butter pudding. Finish. Very long and rich. Wow, this is a beautifully funky, dirty Sherry cask whisky. It’s stunning if that’s what you’re into, but it will divide opinion.

Nose. Subtle with hints of caramel, coconut, vanilla and honey. Palate. Slightly malty and sweet cereal. Lacking depth? Finish. Long and warming. Some woody notes develop.

Nose. Nutmeg, red wine and summer fruits. With a drop of water there’s also a bread note. Palate. Spicy, oily and rich. Finish. Long, with a spicy warmth.

Nose. Orange marmalade, pear, cream soda and juniper. Palate. The flavours from the nose develop and there’s also some grappa and citrus peel. Finish. Short, young and bright. This is a lovely young whisky. A mix of pot and column distillation.