Auchroisk 1996 26YO Sherry Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (SV)(ABV48%)

This single malt whisky was distilled in 1996 at the Auchriosk Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. It was then placed in a single Hogshead for approximately 21 years before being finished in a fresh Sherry Butt for 65 months. It has spent no less than 26 years maturing in oak. Bottled with natural colour and no chill-filtration at 48.7% ABV from cask number 1 as part of the Signatory Vintage Cask Strength Collection. Only 687 bottles were produced.

Signatory Vintage are an independent bottler founded in 1988 by Andrew and Brian Symington. The name Signatory was derived from the initial intention to find a person of suitable standing to sign the labels for bottles drawn from a single cask. The first cask bottled was a 1968 Glenlivet which quickly sold through long before any suitable signee could be found.

Signatory currently bottle at three strengths: 43%, 46% Unchillfiltered (UCF) and Cask Strength. To add proof of authenticity to their cask strength bottlings, Signatory always include the cask numbers, date of distillation, date of bottling and number of bottles produced.

Nose – Beautiful Sherry aromas, sweet plums and sour cherries, summer berries and sultanas. There’s a wonderful combination of toasted nuts and milk chocolate with a hint of cinnamon spice.

Palate – Wonderful notes of plum and cherry, summer berries again but now in the form of blueberries and blackberries. There’s raisins soaked in creamy chocolate caramel and some black pepper spice which leads to a hint of ginger and clove.

Finish – Very long and oily, thick and creamy, summer berries, some notes of coffee and dark chocolate with cherry syrup and spicy notes of cove. Very satisfying!