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 GlenAllachie lending a rich, sherried Speyside note. It was bought in 2017 by Billy Walker and two partners, fresh from selling BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh. Under Walker it turned to single malt, with heavy maturation in sherry and wine casks. Its stills were doubled from two to four within months of opening, the lyne arms angled down for a fuller spirit.

The GlenAllachie within gives dried fruit and a dark chocolate. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the full character to the fore. The wood frames the spirit without ever stripping the full Speyside body. The casks are picked closely, the wood matched to the rich GlenAllachie make. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit.

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.