Creations 1973 Light Fruity Sherry (Cadenhead’s)

Creations 1973 Light Fruity Sherry (Cadenhead's) is a 44 year old blended Scotch from Cadenhead's. It marries malt and grain whiskies, with Speyside malt such as Glenfarclas for a rich, fruity core. Glenfarclas brings the depth of a richly sherried Speyside malt to the blend.

Glenfarclas's full malt rounds it with a deep, fruity weight. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the full character to the fore. Time in oak rounds it to a soft, sweet depth. It drinks soft and full, the fruit carried on a gentle oak. The finish is long and warm, fruit fading into a dry oak. Older casks lend a polished oak and a mellow, sweet depth. The fruit deepens with age towards raisin, fig and a soft spice. The sherried Speyside malt gives it depth, the grain a lighter, sweeter lift. Time in wood rounds the spirit to a soft vanilla and a dark fruit. Age has knit the components together, the edges long since softened.

Reduced to 43.4%, it is mellow and sweet. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice run through it. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. It finishes long, full and fruity. A characterful blended Scotch.