Cardhu 16yr Scotch 2022

This is a richly honeyed Cardhu - thanks to a finishing in Jamaican Rum casks, a vibrant tropical sweetness awakens. The lush rum cask-rounded flavours and peppery wood-spice combine to create a vibrant taste of paradise.

Nose: Beguiling first impressions begin with the fresh, sweet fruitiness of lemon zest and white grape enriched by exotic notes of pink grapefruit and ripe mango, all on a faintly mossy base, a note that evolves into freshly ironed linen. A notably spicy and woody note soars high above. A drop of water dries these aromas and introduces a pinch of white pepper.

Palate: A creamy-smooth and full texture, the taste erupting with sweet flavour. Tingling on the tongue, the fruity and malty sweetness behind this suggesting home- made rum toffee and more exotic hints of spiced pineapple and green banana, made more appetising still by spicy and drying, bracingly crisp, clean oak. A dash of water creates a delightful and even smoother texture, still strong in peppery spice.

Finish: Quite short, sweet and peppery. With water, the oaky spiciness is even more forward.