Juicy and intensely fruity, this Speyside malt received a particularly long finish of 48 months in a fresh Pedro Ximenez barrel. The attack at the nose is as fruity as expected, with plenty of winey notes, and ripe apricots, peaches and oranges. In spite of the fruitiness, it has vibrant acidity, a sour and fresh citrusy note that balances the ripeness. At the palate it’s even more balanced between ripe fruits (this time including red apples) and acidity, allowing it to remain medium bodied and not thick or cloying. There’s a tannic background of fragrant tea and herbs, too, with the spiciness increasing in intensity with every sip. A drop of water will help the drier and more mineral notes to shine through, forcing the fruity sweetness to take second place. It keeps growing in intensity after the initial smooth attack, and the aftertaste is particularly peppery and with a pleasant touch of tannins.