Tonight I’m trying one of the bottles from my advent calendar. I was kinda busy so didn’t do them all in December.

This is a 29 year old from refill sherry casks. From the Family Collector Series 7, this was distilled in 1986, and it’s 53.8% vol.

On the nose:

Initially there was the feint scent of struck matches. Ever so fleetingly.

Lots of fruit, sticky & rich…with spices prickling at the senses. A slight hint of ginger. Sweet vanilla and demerara sugar. Maybe the slightest wisp of menthol… after letting it open there’s a little maraschino cherry, and old cigar boxes.

Palate is smooth and rich. It starts with those delicious fruits I had on the nose…lovely vanilla and dark chocolate giving a bitter bite. The spice is there with a touch of oak. It’s a comforting dram.

The finish is warm and delicious…fruit and a lingering soft sweetness.  I’ve really taken my time with this one.