Whisky Reviews /My Whisky Diary

The Bourbon cask is a clear point of interest; the notes bring dark fruit, vanilla and caramel, then finish with spicy, dry oak. A lively little contrast.

apple-led, with a darker edge

The appeal here is the contrast between rich fruit and dark chocolate, with spice, leather and tobacco adding a more savoury edge. The richly sherried palate and long, tobacco-led finish make this read as a mature, layered style rather than a straightforward fruit-forward one. At 21 years old and 58.7% ABV, it has plenty of stated heft, though the notes do not describe how that strength comes across. The SGD 1,006.05 sale-price reference puts it at a substantial price point, so the distinctive sherry-and-tobacco character is central to its appeal.

A mild palate and smooth, long finish sound appealing.

The honeycomb and butterscotch sound like a friendly opening, and the walnut with chocolate peanut gives it a nuttier turn. Plum carries through to the finish, with caramel and peppercorn keeping things lively.

Juicy tropical fruit meets sweet vanilla and toasted oak.

The bright citrus and floral notes keep this from feeling heavy, while honey and spice add a warmer edge. The fairly spicy finish sounds more forward than my usual preference, though the fruit gives it a welcome counterpoint.

The appeal is the contrast between ripe, bright fruit and the richer caramel and creamy notes. Cinnamon and nutmeg give that sweetness a gentle warmth, while dried fruit and toasted almond carry through to a long finish. It sounds generous without relying on a single dominant note. For a quiet preference for balance, that interplay makes this a particularly inviting direction.

This 25-year-old Scottish single malt brings sherry, dark fruit and chocolate together in a warm, inviting way. The long, oak-rich finish adds a drier edge, giving it plenty of character.

There’s a pleasing tension between the fruit and sweetness and the more assertive spice. Dried plum and fig on the nose lead into delicate orchard fruit, honey and almond on the palate; the finish brings black pepper, chili and peat alongside dried-fruit sweetness. That contrast is the part I find most compelling. The palate’s gentle touch of spice sounds quieter than the peppery, peaty finish, so this reads as layered rather than simply sweet.