Orkney 13YO 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 small batch of four casks comprising of two sherry butts and two ex-Bourbon barrels from an unnamed distillery on the Orkney Islands, was used to create this single malt, distilled in 2008 and aged for more than 13 years.

Nose - Fresh peppermint leaves create a cooling herbaceousness that mingles with elegant heathery smoke. Velvety dark chocolate takes centre stage with the soft, grassy smoke remaining in the background.

Palate - Florentine biscuits fresh from the oven, bring to the fore sweet golden syrup, bright candied ginger, cinnamon and dark chocolate. Smouldering heather wafts across the palate but it doesn’t pull focus from the lusciousness of spice and chocolate.

Finish - Morello cherries steeped in syrup are served with a dollop of cream and freshly dark chocolate shavings. A freshly brewed peppermint tea keeps the dram beautifully balanced as it finishes long and fresh.