2010 Single Cask Nation Glen Spey 14 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Finished in a first fill American oak oloroso hogshead for four years. As though a dollop of fresh honey has been dropped in your glass, the opening sniffs nothing short of superb. Dries after air contact, accenting citrus blossom and faint curaçao. What a bright and engaging oloroso cask this is! The intense honey-malt drive combined with a succulent dried fruit character pops at mid palate. Mouthfilling and plush, the malt keeps up with the sherry (just), leaving Granita cheesecake with a wee drizzle of Grand Marnier to finish. Ripe Meyer lemons and toasty oak with water. A freak bottling from an obscure make. 235 bottles. 57.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered. Tasted from a 25ml sample.

Other reviews... May I take this opportunity to remind you that when it comes to sherry casks, American oak is the rule and European oak the exception. Indeed, it’s rather counterintuitive. Colour: full gold. Nose: very similar aromatic territory, though here we’re leaning more towards dried and candied fruits, with subtler spices and a lovely soft liquorice. Splendid orange liqueur with honey, dried figs, white nougat, sweet wine like a muscat (a sweet one, muscat isn’t always sweet) or late-harvest gewurztraminer… In fact, it’s an extremely friendly nose. With water: little change, it just becomes even more approachable. Mouth (neat): a fantastic cocktail of honeyed liqueurs, with a clear, direct, irresistible side. I believe this baby could replace honey in your yoghurts, pastries, tisanes, over your pancakes etc. For a wee kick that instantly lifts the spirit and soothes your worries and fits of rage. Please don’t quote me to your local health authorities. With water: it joins its 2013 sibling in terms of style. Finish: long, gentle, honeyed, extremely moreish. Comments: a superb honeyed sweetness and a malt that should appeal to absolutely everyone. 87 points - whiskyfun.com