Ardgowan Clydebuilt Sailmaker Blended Malt (70cl, 48%)

Sailmaker is a blended malt from Ardgowan, bottled at 48% in a 70cl bottle. It was made by Master Whisky Maker Max McFarlane, formerly head whisky maker at Edrington, where he worked on Highland Park among others. Six whiskies from Highland, Lowland and Speyside distilleries are married together. All of them matured solely in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, which Max McFarlane chose himself. The nose is peppery, with dried spices, stone fruits, nectarines, chocolate truffles and Seville orange marmalade. The palate eases open to butterscotch, marzipan, mango and a hint of vanilla, and the finish is rich with sherry, raisins and spice.