2021 Royal Lochnagar Special Release 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Highlands, Scotland (750ml)

APPEARANCE: Liquid, golden sunlight.

BODY: Medium.

NOSE: The very mellow and rounded nose swirls with subtle aromas. The top notes are lightly fruity, suggesting orange zest and green apple. They are encased after a while, in a hint of puff-pastry, all resting on a mossy and lightly woody base. Adding a splash of water adds to the fruit, now firm white grapes, and brings up the spiciness.

PALATE: A creamy texture smoothly rolls across the palate, the lively taste barley-sugar sweet and intense from the start with luscious fruity acidity mid-palate, and a developing oaky dryness. A little water makes the creamy texture and sweetness smoother still, as an appetizing spicy warmth builds.

FINISH: Welcoming and warming, like the first rays of the sun after a long winter, with lingering white pepper in the lightly wood-spiced aftertaste.