Enhanced with a finish of 30 months in a Pedro Ximenez barrel, this expression of a beloved Speyside malt is nonetheless not as sweet as one would expect. The nose strikes a particularly interesting balance between a drier winey profile and fragrant toasted notes: there is a citrusy character (orange juice and orange peel), a bit of the creamy sourness of balsamic vinegar, and some leathery and oaky touches too. But also some very aromatic whiffs of espresso coffee! Quite tight when tasted straight, it opens up with a drop of water into a more delicate profile: it remains a bit winey and astringent, but it exhibits more sweetness of candied oranges and apricots, and a particularly appetizing cereal note, almost like traditional cornflakes. With time, and especially towards the end, the fruity side shines out, but always together with a lively and nervous peppery character.