Quite simply, a masterpiece! This whisky was matured in an ex-Sherry cask, and comes from the days when Glen Garioch was known for its peatiness. The nose is amazingly rich and complex, with a combination of burning wood and tire smoke, meat on a hot grill, and espresso beans in a grinder. The taste: intense! Espressio/Machiatto coffee notes, toffee, a mild peatiness, and heather to start, with baked apples, peaches, and berries that come alive as the coffee and peat notes fade. The finish is extremely long with subtle peat and notes of mango and pineapple on the grill.

If you are ever offered a dram of this whisky, do not pass it up! (June, 2013)