The Exceptional Malt – 2nd Edition Blended Grain Scotch Whisky (Sutcliffe & Son)

The Exceptional Malt - 2nd Edition Blended Grain Scotch Whisky (Sutcliffe & Son) is a blended malt Scotch from Sutcliffe and Son. It marries malts with Glenfarclas lending a rich, sherried Speyside note. Glenfarclas is one of Speyside's last great family distilleries, long matured in sherry casks.

The Glenfarclas within gives dried fruit and a dark chocolate. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the full character to the fore. The wood lends a gentle vanilla over the fruit. The sherried Speyside malt gives it depth, the grain a lighter, sweeter lift. The finish is long and warm, fruit fading into a dry oak. It drinks soft and full, the fruit carried on a gentle oak. The components sit easily together, sherried fruit over a soft grain. The blend holds a warm, fruity centre with a soft, dry finish. Time in wood rounds the spirit to a soft vanilla and a dark fruit. There is a gentle sweetness to it, the oak well judged.

At 43% it is rich, fruity and deep. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice run through it. The mouthfeel is full and coating, the fruit dark and sweet. The finish is rounded, dark and spiced. A characterful blended malt Scotch.