Highland 12 Year Old 2008 Reserve Cask (SMOS) Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (ABV 48%)

Elixir Distillers is an independent bottler that released The Single Malts of Scotland range in 2002. This range consists of vintage single malt Scotch whiskies selected for their individual quality and character. Along with the classic single cask collection, the range includes the Director's Special series personally selected by Sukhinder Singh, as well as two small-batch collections: the accessible Reserve Casks and the more mature Marriage of Casks.

A batch of three ex-sherry butts from a Highlands distillery has been used to create this single malt, distilled in 2008 and aged for more than 12 years.

Nose - The aromas of a spongey sherry trifle are layered with glacé cherries and a slice of vanilla-and-dark-chocolate cake. A few walnuts appear, followed by strawberry jam spread on a cinnamon bagel.

Palate - Caramel stroopwafel brings plenty of decadent flavours, along with dark-chocolate fudge sauce. Some slight heat comes in the form of a glass of ginger beer, followed up by the syrupy sweetness of blueberry compote.

Finish - A bag of candied ginger remains, along with ground cardamom.