Darkness Dufftown 11 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish 58.5% ABV

Darkness Dufftown 11 Year Old Oloroso Cask Finish is an independent bottling of Speyside single malt Scotch whisky distilled at Dufftown Distillery, in the town of the same name, and released by Darkness, the sherry-focused range from Atom Brands. After 11 years of maturation the whisky received a short final period in small Oloroso sherry octave casks, whose high ratio of wood to spirit drives a pronounced sherry character of fruit, nuts and spice. This release is bottled at 58.5% ABV in a 500ml limited-edition bottle with a gift box, with no added colouring and no chill filtration, so its deep colour comes from the cask.

Tasting Notes: Dried fruit, roasted nuts, cherry and baking spice.

Nose: Cereal porridge, warm raspberries, raisins, dates and cherry syrup, with malt sweets, oak and roasted walnuts.

Palate: Dry and balanced, with caramelised almonds, chocolate-coated hazelnuts, roasted coffee, dried fruit, ripe cherries, cinnamon and clove.

Finish: Long, with lingering roasted nuts and dried fruit.

Serve: Neat, then with a few drops of water to see how dilution changes the aromas.