Signatory Vintage Speyside (GL) 16 Year Old 100 Proof Edition #7 Exceptional Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"Big whisky, intensely sherry-forward...And not too dry of an Oloroso influence either... Everything kind of just works". - wordsofwhisky.com

There are true gems to be found in Signatory's 'Exceptional Cask' range, at prices that wouldn’t have been out of place a decade ago. This looks to be one. 'GL' reportedly refers to Glenlivet (but it could be Glenfarclas or Glenrothes...) The whisky was drawn from first-fill oloroso hogsheads and fairly active casks at that, delivering spectacular colour and a big, dried fruit, sherry hit that verges towards venerable Armagnac. Perhaps too much for some, but we know there are those who appreciate - even treasure - these extreme styles. 57.1% Alc./Vol. Non-chill filtered.

Other reviews... Nose: Big whisky, intensely sherry-forward. Hints of toasted bread accompanied with prunes, milk chocolate and dates, as well as sultanas. Also tinges of leather, some furniture polish and even molasses. Not the most complex, but much more balanced than the two malts above. Taste: Lovely stuff. There’s a pinch of pepper alongside figs, dates and rich dark chocolate. Then a tinge of tobacco leaves and cured meats, but also leather again. Finally some black tea and cloves, as well as a sliver of fennel. Finish: Long. More of the above. Syrupy fruits. Very good. I couldn't tell you the distillery, but does it really matter when the cask influence is this overwhelming? Not too much oak, so that's good. And not too dry of an Oloroso influence either, which is good too. Everything kind of just works. - wordsofwhisky.com/

...Cascade of red fruits, strawberry coulis, raspberry puree, tomato soup, apple crumble. After a while, the influence of the wood is felt, it becomes velvety, dark chocolate, ground coffee beans, mocha, soggy leather, smooth caramel, creamy honey, royal jelly. It becomes more and more mellow, nut cakes, olive oil, nougatine. Charcoal. The palate is quite round, soft caramel, coffee liqueur, but very quickly, the spices invade everything, cumin, black pepper, cloves. Finish Powerful and quite long, Viennese coffee with lots of whipped cream, chocolate fondant, some grainy cereals, egg custard. The barrels must have been heavily charred, as they weigh heavily on the flavors, both on the nose and on the palate. This makes for a very woody nose and a very spicy palate. - whiskybase.com