80
- Nose
- A hint of (appetising) phenol. Polished oak.
- Palate
- Robust exchange of sweetness and dryness. Juicy flavours from the oak. Vanilla, violets, sherry.
- Finish
- Apricot. Prunes in Armagnac. Sappy.
- Comment
- A malt that dares to be truly oaky. Thank heavens for boldness and individuality in a world where blandness is always an easier option. This beautiful old distillery is Chivas' showpiece, but it is more than a pretty face.
82
- Nose
- Fragrant with citrus (orange peel), flowers (freesia), spice, and a hint of cream-filled choux pastry. Juicy! Water pulls out more weighty malty notes.
- Palate
- Lovely mid-weight malt that's softer than the nose initially suggests. Great momentum in the mouth with cranachan, soft baked fruits, fruit cake, syrup, apricot and malt. It dances on the tongue.
- Finish
- Bursts into life.
- Comment
- Charming, subtle and gorgeous.