Ad Gefrin – Tácnbora Oloroso Sherry Cask Finish (70cl, 57.2%)

Tácnbora is the signature blend from Ad Gefrin, made from grain and malt whiskies blended at the distillery in Wooler, Northumberland. This limited release spent a further nine months in ex-Oloroso sherry hogsheads before bottling at 57.2% ABV, in a 70cl bottle. It is non-chill filtered, with no added colour. The 20-year-old hogsheads added dried fruit, nuttiness and gentle spice to the blend's honeyed character. The nose opens with chocolate, hazelnut and Christmas cake mix, with a little bran behind. On the palate, figs and almonds meet a bright edge of grapefruit, then cinder toffee and ginger. The finish is long and warming, with cedar, bitter cocoa, mince pie and a faint note of heather.