Dunville's Single Malt Sherry Cask Finish (70cl, 48%)

This is an Irish single malt finished in two kinds of sherry cask, Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso. It is bottled at 48% in a 70cl bottle, and this one comes from a numbered cask. The two sherries pull in different directions: the Pedro Ximénez brings a juicy, syrupy sweetness, while the Oloroso adds depth and dryness. The result is robust, chewy and rich. The nose is stewed pears, ripe red apples, candied orange peel, dark chocolate and Black Forest gateau. On the palate come raisins, prunes, apricot and roasted nuts, with Christmas pudding and fig syrup, then winter spices, liquorice, stem ginger, old leather, cocoa and dark muscovado treacle.