Aberlour – 21 Year Old Single Malt (70cl, 48%)

This is a 21-year-old Aberlour single malt from Speyside, bottled at 48% in a 70cl bottle. It is a single-batch release, made by bringing together selected whiskies matured in American oak and sherry casks. It is not chill-filtered and has no added colour. The 48% strength was chosen deliberately and is not natural cask strength. The bottling belongs to a yearly series of small batches, and Master Distiller Graeme Cruickshank followed this whisky from the time it was distilled. The nose is juicy cherry and spiced baked apple, with dates and toffee. On the palate come cranberry and blood orange, then dark cocoa, chocolate and warming ginger. The finish keeps a fine, warm spice for a long time.