Balblair – 18 Year Old Marsala Finish (54.1%)

This is an 18 year old Highland single malt from Balblair, bottled independently by Whisky Craft as a single cask release. It had an extended finish in Marsala wine casks and was bottled at a natural cask strength of 54.1%. The outturn is 254 bottles. The nose opens with citrus zest, orange peel and a soft waxy sweetness, with savoury meatiness, toffee, sweet spice and hints of star anise. On the palate come cane sugar and bright red fruits, deepening into darker berries, with gentle oak spice for structure. The finish is short and peppery, with charred oak and a lingering sweetness.