Michel Couvreur – Candid The New Disclosure Expression Magnum (1.5L, 49%)

This is a peated malt whisky from Michel Couvreur, in a 1.5 litre magnum bottle at 49% ABV. The spirit comes from Scotland and is matured in sherry casks in a traditional cellar cut into the rock at Bouze-lès-Beaune in Burgundy. Smoke sits alongside the sherry rather than dominating it, adding contrast to the sweet and spicy character. The nose brings candy floss, caramel, brittle, chocolate and gingerbread, with a light alcoholic note. With time, herbs and white pepper emerge, with peat smoke behind them. The palate opens sweetly with sherry, bitter almond and dark chocolate.