A special bottling at cask strength for one of the richest Speyside malts, finished for 28 months in a first fill Oloroso butt. It’s very old fashioned in style, with that kind of sherry influence that’s immediately evocative of times long past. Definitely winey at the nose, and very dry, it offers a palette of red cherries backed by deep aromatic notes of old bookstore, wood polish, a hint of camphor, and fresh coffee. As it often happens with the slower maturation in butts, the effect on the palate is subtler: again very dry, firm, mineral. There are orange rinds, raisins, and it’s obviously very nutty, but the wine still leaves room for the natural freshness and floweriness of the spirit. The finale is peppery, slightly acidic, and very stimulating.