Lakes The Private Reserve Connoisseurs Edition 8 Year Old, Sherry Cask, 2022, 56.6%

busstop.postcard9 Oct

The pairing of sun-dried sultanas and lightly toasted almonds on the nose gives this a distinct starting point. The palate then carries the dried fruit forward, alongside cocoa nibs and candied orange peel. I like that connection between the aromas and palate: the fruit remains central, but the other notes give it some contrast. Polished mahogany adds another aromatic detail, while the finish is described as rich and complex. There is no need to guess at its length to see the appeal. For my taste, the balance between familiar dried-fruit richness and those almond, cocoa and orange notes is what makes this sherry-cask whisky interesting.