2006 Bladnoch Single Cask No.440 15 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Bladnoch is part of a quartet of Lowlanders, the others being Glenkinchie, Auchentoshan and the legendary Rosebank. This single sherry butt bottling marks a departure from their NAS and red wine matured selections. Not quite multi-layered nor effusive, but not far off in its exquisite mingling of barley and spiced raisins on the nose, underscored by creamy cocoas. On the palate, the dried fruits are almost palpable and it's a bit like two whiskies in one: At cask strength, there's a chewy sensation of barley and aged fruit cake punctuated by ginger snaps and sweet spices. Add an ice cube or a splash of water and you have a more creamy, succulent serve of the same, further detailed with a vaguely nutty, leathery old school charm. The way the cinnamon and fruits cascade in a choreographed flurry really purrs. The length is impressive. The balance is impeccable as the profile continues to evolve with air contact. A whisky to keep you up at night. If you buy sherried styles and pass on this, you're missing out on something quite distinctive and special, as first class as its luxe presentation. 660 bottles produced. 50.8% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the producers... Matured in a Sherry butt #440, carriying notes of dates, caramelized sugar with a sticky sweet and slightly warming finish.  It was distilled in December 2006 and bottled at cask strength and natural colour.