Fary Lochan 2014-2021, 7 years, 60.3% alc. Bottler: The Liquid Madness. Expansion: Oloroso sherry barrel (Hogshead) No. LM00221

Nose: 60.3% and no alcohol to be felt, instead I have a freshly baked fruit cake in my nose. This is followed by sugar syrup and cedarwood, tobacco and artificial leather. The fruit aromas come back, in addition to gooseberries there are various citrus fruits, mandarins and oranges are relatively clear. In the background there is a slightly Christmassy aroma with cloves.

Palate: It is heavy and oily, also difficult in terms of the variety of flavors. From fruity sweetness to strong spice and herb aromas to a decent salt note. The alcohol is still not really noticeable, it just leaves a slight numbness on the tongue. Orange jam, cherry jelly, rosemary, cinnamon and cloves, a little nutmeg. In addition, a good portion of pepper and oak wood. Salted peanuts, roasted malt and almonds.

Finish: Long and warming. The fruit that is slightly displaced on the palate comes back stronger, especially the gooseberry, but also a little blood orange. Again spices, including cloves and green pepper. Towards the end a bitter coffee with cinnamon chocolate, this is where the alcohol comes through.

Conclusion: The barrel left its mark on the whisky and created a whisky that was still so young but extremely exciting. 88/100 points (2021)

www.notesofmalt.com