Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute Scotch Whisky Litre 40 Year Old, Sherry Cask, 2010, 43%

At 43% ABV, this has a clearly stated strength without that being the whole story: sherried plum and dark chocolate are joined by orange, cinnamon and a light trace of smoke. I’m drawn to that mix of rich fruit and restrained smoke, and the gingerbread and brown sugar on the long finish give the description a satisfying final turn. It sounds composed and generous, not one-note.

Reviewed by busstop lantern

Nose

Sweet orange, Nutty and oaky aromas, Light touch of smoke, Ripe plums and sherried sweetness, Dark chocolate and warm cinnamon

Palate

Ripe plums with sherried sweetness, Dark chocolate and warm cinnamon, Baked fruits and marmalade, Peppercorns and ground ginger, Subtle smoke

Finish

Impressively long, Gingerbread and brown sugar, Hints of chocolate