Glentauchers

14 years old, this Glentauchers-Glenlivet bottled by Cadenhead has been matured in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. With pear drops, peaches, treacle and a touch of nutmeg on the nose, we've landed in Scotland for pudding on a winters night. Flavours of pouched pears and vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate flakes come alive on the palate. The finish is a wee glass of mulled wine, rich and warming with orange slices, crushed cloves and dark chocolate.

This incredibly grunty Glentauchers comes from a highly active ex-sherry butt, imparting its heavy wood influence over 14 years of maturation. Iain's tasting notes talk of "brand new tupperware filled with empire biscuits and victoria sponge", bringing to mind qualities of rich fruit jams and vanilla, while the palate is described as being like a leather riding crop soaked in sherry (come on now Iain...)

Matured for over 3 decades in a single ex-sherry cask, this wonderfully dark Glentauchers shows off the expertise bottlers Gordon & MacPhail have in selecting whisky at their peak of maturation. Rich toffee, stewed dark fruit and and cinnamon spice are at the fore, with dark chocolate and heavily spiced undertones throughout. A classic old sherry bomb.