Orkney

Toasted vanilla, cracked black pepper and warm peat smoke lead the nose, joined by cloves, aniseed and a touch of sandalwood. The palate is structured and gently oily, with toasted barley, fennel seed and cinnamon set against dark fruit and seasoned oak. Predominantly sherry-seasoned American oak casks bring sweetness and depth, while a higher proportion of local peated malt gives the finish a firmer smoky line, lifted by orange peel, gingerbread and nutmeg.

Rich fruit and caramelized sweetness open the nose, followed by baked cherry, orange zest and salted honeycomb. Dark chocolate and aromatic heather-peat smoke bring depth across the palate without overwhelming the whisky’s balance. A high proportion of first-fill, sherry-seasoned European oak contributes concentrated fruit and spice, rounded by American oak and refill casks. The finish is lingering, sweetly spiced and lightly nutty.