Supple, Smooth Speyside and Highlanders!

Having a real taste for Sherry Cask and Port Cask finished Single Malts I am always drawn to the fabulous flavours these two regions have to offer.

Benria0ch, Glendronach and Glengoyne have to be my three favourite distilleries and always win my approval with the fruity, sweet and smooth taste that’s so satisfying!

First up is the BENRIACH 21 year PORT CASK.benriach_21

This remarkable 21 Year Old from Benriach Distillery was first matured in the traditional style – American bourbon barrels and then finished in a small batch of top-quality Tawny Port casks sourced from the Douro region in the north of Portugal.

During this second period of maturation, the slow interaction of the whisky with the Port cask results in sublime flavours and aromas.

Bottled at 46% ABV, this Benriach 21 year Old is a phenomenal Speyside single malt and one for all whisky lovers!

Colour: Rich amber with a copper glow.

Nose: A perfect balance of fresh cranberries and warm white pepper develops into an equally perfect combination of tart raspberries and boiled candy.

Palate: Delicious toasted oak spices and hints of orange peel develop to a lively contrast of wild red berry compote and sour cherries.

Finish: The red berry compote and sour cherries are immediately followed by a rich stewed barley character throughout the finish.

The next Single Malt I must review is the Glendronach 18 year Allardice.

500x500_glendronach_18_year_allardiceThis Glendronach 18 year old Allardice, is named after the distillery’s founder. The 18 year old, or as it is now know, Allardice is the third expression in the Glendronach core range.

This exceptional single sherried malt is non-chill filtered and of natural colour. Matured in the finest Spanish Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at 46%, this sublime richly sherried malt is truly unforgettable.

Appearance: Bright deep gold with a tawny centre.
Nose: Sweet aromatics of delicious fudge and muscovado sugar. Fruit compote and cherries provide added complexity.
Palate: Rich and seductive, there are remarkable flavours of stewed fruits and all-spice marry together with classical aged Oloroso and toasted walnut bread and chocolate orange.
Finish: Quite long with touches of toasted oak, ginger, faint sultana and dry earth.

The third favourite of mine and anyone who has tried it is the stunning Glengoyne 18 years!

Non chill filtered as you would expect and all natural colour from the cask!

This is the result of 18 long years and a generous proportion of first fill sherry casks, and of the patience they take over the slowest distillation in Scotland. A mix of refill sGlengoyne18_70clherry casks and a generous slug of first-fill sherry-matured whisky.

Appearance: Medium gold with a rich glow.
Nose: Awash with red apple, ripe melon and fresh banana. Heavenly and well rounded, it drifts into hot porridge topped with brown sugar.
Taste: Full bodied, round and rich. At first macerated fruits, marzipan and walnuts; then warm spices, dry cocoa and lingering Seville marmalade.

Finish: Long, warm and dry.
Comments: Remarkable depth. Each glass unveils more layers.

If these three Single Malts don’t tantalise your taste buds nothing will!

Slainte

Pete0