The Glenlivet – Cipher (2016) (70cl, 48%)

The Glenlivet Cipher is a limited edition single malt Scotch released in 2016, in a 70cl bottle at 48%. It was launched as a mystery: the black matt bottle carries no details, and no official tasting notes were published, so drinkers had to work out the character for themselves. The consensus among those who have tried it points to dark chocolate, stewed fruit and spice on the nose, with subtle smoke. The palate is full, rich and creamy, with raisins, cloves and orange peel. The finish is long, warming, slightly sweet and spicy.