1996 Carn Mor "Celebration of the Cask" Benrinnes 21 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Benrinnes is a famously big, robust Speysider. Considered a 'Top Class' malt by Adelphi's Charles McLean, Serge Valentin of whiskyfun adds, "it's usually rather meaty but displays wildly different styles depending on the ages and on the kinds of casks. It's often quite fat." This Carn Mor release was matured in a single hogshead. Super limited.

Tasting note: Deep gold. Slightly acidic, green apple notes in the initial pass give way to richer aromas of chocolate sponge cake - also curious suggestions of peppermint and cedar. A whisky that leaves a big impression - oily, chewy and decadently malty with a freshness that defies its age. Orchard fruits enter at the finish with a rush of shortbread and vanilla. Superb length. Still slightly brash for a double decade malt, but then it's near 60%. Lives up to the distillery's reputation. Settles with minimal water. 57.2% Alc./Vol. 277 bottles from cask number 11709.

Based in the heart of Perthshire and formerly known as 'The Scottish Liqueur Centre', the Morrison & MacKay label is relatively new to the independent bottling scene. Their Carn Mor range is composed of single cask bottlings and is subdivided into the Strictly Limited (mostly bottled at 46%), Celebration of the Cask (bottled at cask strength), and Black Gold (heavily sherried) series. All are non-chill-filtered. The company is also notable for their focus on avoiding unnecessary packaging.