Michel Couvreur Candid Malt Whisky (49%)

Candid is a single malt from Michel Couvreur, bottled at 49% and described as an Islay whisky. It spends eight years in small 250-litre sherry casks, using the fresh filling method, in which the casks are emptied of sherry just before the whisky goes in. The style is oriental and winey, with a firm peaty, smoky character. It opens sweet and almost creamy, then turns to peat, plums, raisins, demerara sugar, honey and spice. Almonds, herbs, liquorice, tobacco, figs and leather are also noted.