Gordon & MacPhail Connoisseurs Choice Highland Park 2000 Cask 552 (70cl)

This is a single-cask Highland Park from Orkney, bottled by Gordon & MacPhail in its Connoisseurs Choice range. It was distilled in 2000 and matured for more than two decades in a single first-fill sherry butt, then bottled at cask strength in a 70cl bottle. The whisky has a deep amber colour. Orkney's heather-honey smoke sits alongside the long sherry maturation. The nose is rich with stewed raisins, dark chocolate and orange zest, over a delicate, aromatic peat smoke. The palate is full-bodied, with clove-studded fruitcake, toasted walnuts, and a hint of sea spray and dried herbs. The finish is long and warming, with sweet sherry spice and a wisp of coastal bonfire smoke.