Royal Lochnagar 1994 / Managers' Choice / Sherry Cask

Colour:  Rich coppery-gold. Light legs.

Nose:  Big. Initially drying with slightly dusty, oaky notes; then masses of sherry. Homemade rum and raisin ice cream - dense with vanilla and tropical spice. In the far distance, pine resin and wraith-like phenols. Water releases patisserie aromas of glazed fruit tarts and orange blossom; later, sherbet powder [Keli for Scots].

Body:  Light to medium.

Palate:  Hot, thin and drying at cask strength. Herbal. Clove with hints of eucalyptus. Liquorice bitterness and linseed oil seek to obscure a base note of rich fruit-cake; and there is also a fugitive note of red berry tartness. Softer and sweeter with water; treacle toffee and orange oil soften some crunchy cereal notes.

Finish:  Warming and mentholic with a toasted cereal graininess. Again, clove and aniseed but now moderated with some molasses sweetness and a delicate, late cocoa dryness. With water, a richer dried fruit character emerges against a dustier, nuttier background.

Comment:  Mature oak harmonizes beautifully with the spice and cereal signature of Royal Lochnagar. An indulgent nose, rich in creamy vanilla and sweet, spicy notes, joined with a lengthy, malty palate. This expression also retains a pleasing light fruity freshness throughout.