2007 Claxton's Exploration Series Strathclyde 16 Year Old Single Cask Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

For a whisky style that's naturally on the sweeter side, this grain has survived time in a Pedro Ximenez sherry barrique without falling flat. A vague pear/apple fruitiness adds freshness to the nose; the flavours come with a mild alcohol flare and notes of cream soda, sponge cake, vanilla, milk chocolate plus late hints of dates. As an experiment in maturation, it has succeeded in fattening up to malt-standards what otherwise might have been a relatively thin affair. Hardly complex, but impressively textural for grain of this ilk. 50% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 50ml sample.

Notes from the bottlers... Nose: Aniseed. Creamy. Hint of fennel. Sweet mint. Vanilla pod. Palate: Rich vanilla with crème brulee. More aniseed, slightly herbal. Finish: Custard, creamy finish. Lots of vanilla, raisins and icing sugar.