Ian MacLeod As We Get It Highland (70cl, 60.6%)

This is a Highland single malt from Ian MacLeod, bottled at a cask strength of 60.6% in a 70cl bottle. It is non-chill-filtered and drawn straight from the cask, so the colour and strength shift from one bottling to the next. The nose is earthy, with vanilla and a forest-floor richness, and sweetness building from caramel. On the palate it turns fruitier than the nose suggests, with green apple, pear and a hint of sherry. The finish brings peppercorn, hazelnut and butterscotch.