Cask No. 60.48

The nose evoked ‘nan’s handbag’ – clean leather, rose-scented hand lotion, fruit pastilles and liquorice allsorts. Was nan a pipe smoker too? The palate combined peanut toffee brittle with spiced plums, clove rock and marmalade on toast, with a finishing lick of tar. Water opened the nose: eg boatyards and caraway seeds, fruit scones, apricot and ginger flan, and baked apple with raisins. The palate remained chewy and substantial, delivering sultana panettone and pop tarts with black coffee; plus a hint of cough syrup on the finish – medicine for the soul! This oloroso-seasoned first fill barrique took over from ex-bourbon wood after seven years.