Lindores Abbey – 1494 Bourbon, STR Red Wine & Oloroso Sherry Cask (46%)

This is a Lowland single malt from the Lindores Abbey Distillery, bottled at 46% ABV. Its name recalls 1494, the year of the oldest written record of aqua vitae, when Brother John Cor of Lindores Abbey received eight bolls of malt from King James IV. It matures in three cask types. Ex-bourbon casks bring vanilla and caramel, STR red wine barriques add spice and berry fruit, and oloroso sherry butts give dark dried fruit, raisins and a nutty depth. The barley, including the Concerto variety, is grown around the abbey. The nose is soft and inviting, with vanilla and caramel.