Two years of finish in a very active first fill Pedro Ximenez hogshead truly enriched this Speyside single malt: its mineral and flowery style, fresh and agile, was perfectly complemented by the winey and fruity notes from the deep and luscious Spanish dessert wine. The acidity of the raisiny Pedro Ximenez well balances the honey sweetness: at the nose there is plenty of orange rinds, dried plums, peaches and a slightly sour note of balsamic vinegar. At the palate it’s complex, multifaceted: initially quite dry and tannic, then (especially with a drop of water) it loosens up. Citrusy, but also raisiny: then dried dates, chestnut honey, spicy oak, a darker touch of tea and aromatic herbs. The finale is very spicy, tight and lingering.