Glen Scotia – Victoriana Small Batch (70cl, 54.2%)

Glen Scotia Victoriana is a Campbeltown single malt made as a nod to the robust whiskies of the Victorian era. This small batch version is bottled at 54.2% in a 70cl bottle, with natural colour and without chill-filtering. The whisky first matures in first-fill and second-fill bourbon casks. It then spends up to twelve months in heavily charred bourbon casks and Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, followed by a further six months of marrying. The re-charring is meant to recall the caramelised notes once produced by direct-fired stills, and a share of heavily peated spirit adds a light smoky touch. The nose offers crème brûlée, melted sugar, caramelised fruit and oak. Toasted sugar and blackcurrant meet spice on the palate, and the finish brings cocoa, dark chocolate and dark fruit.