Macduff – 2009-2021 12 Year Old Berry Bros & Rudd Single Cask 700443 (70cl, 51.9%)

This is a 12-year-old Macduff from the Highlands, distilled in 2009 and bottled by Berry Bros & Rudd for their Spring 2022 outturn. It comes from a single hogshead and gave 261 bottles at a natural cask strength of 51.9%, without colouring or chill filtration. Macduff is often heavily sherried, but this bottling is spirit-forward and lets the fresh, sweet, fruity character of the distillate lead. The nose opens with malted barley and green fruits, then manuka honey, lemon oil and cedar appear with time. On the palate come orange, underripe peach, green wine gums and honeyed toast. The finish brings wood spice and a touch of vanilla.