Young but very intense, this very traditional Highlands single malt was entirely matured in a rejuvenated hogshead: a second fill cask that was internally shaved, toasted and recharred. The effect of this kind of barrels is not as strong as new oak, but more intense than refill. It’s a robust bodied malt, with great freshness of heather honey, cereals, flowers at the nose, but there is also a quizzical note which becomes even more evident on the palate. Immediately, at the first sip, a light touch of smokiness enriches the malty fragrance. The toasted note from the cask imparts a hint of liquorice, of black bread, to the malty and waxy character of the whisky. In the finale, it grows peppery and more tannic, with the toasted notes turning into a delicately ashy aftertaste.