Aultmore – 15 Year Old Dry Marsala Cask Finish (70cl, 46%)

This is a 15-year-old Aultmore, a Speyside single malt in a 70cl bottle. It matured in refill American oak hogsheads before a six-month finish in Marsala Vergine Riserva Oro casks, bottled at 46%, non-chill-filtered and of natural colour. The Marsala casks add a dry, winey side to the distillery's fresh, grassy and herbal style, bringing tart fruit and spice without heavy sweetness. The nose is typically described as stewed apple, quince and clove, with cinnamon, white grapes and dark chocolate. On the palate come quince, pineapple and raisins, with fine malt and oak. The finish is medium to long, with apple, raisins, black pepper and soft oak tannins.