The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar - Door Number 17
Each day in December until Christmas Day we are opening a door on The Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar and posting our tasting notes on our blog.
We're on day 17 now and it's another cask-strength singlemalt from AD Rattray. This one is a 2008 Craigellachie 6yo at 58%. The label states that it's from a sherry butt.
On the nose there are stewed fruits, bubblegum, pencil erasers, honey, treacle, wood shavings...loads going on in here! There's a big, fat chunk of toffee with dried cranberries through it. Mouthwatering!
On the palate it's exactly as you would expect from the nose: rich, sweet, fruity. It packs a big, old punch. There are lashings of caramel, dried fruits, golden syrup and eventually some wood spices coming through adding a touch of balance to the initial sweetness.
The finish is just as moreish as the nose and palate. Long, rich, sweet, warming and delicious.
With water the nose becomes a touch more rubbery and some cereals come through the sweet notes. The palate is even more balanced than before with some of the big, brash sweetness being tempered slightly. The finish becomes smoother and a hint more woody.
This is wonderful winter warmer! Please, Sir, can I have some more?