Turntable Bittersweet Symphony TuSp (Turntable Spirits)

Turntable Bittersweet Symphony TuSp (Turntable Spirits) is a blended Scotch from Turntable Spirits. It marries malt and grain whiskies, with Speyside malt such as Craigellachie for a honeyed core. Most of its make still goes to blending, a robust filler prized for its weight.

The Craigellachie within gives a gentle apple and pear note. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the heavy spirit. The meaty, oily spirit takes cask flavour well while keeping its robust, worm tub weight. Long ageing turns the young, sulphurous spirit towards mango, wax and a warm spice. It sits at the village of Craigellachie, where the River Fiddich joins the Spey by Telford's iron bridge. The robust make rewards long ageing, the meatiness giving way to tropical fruit. Worm tubs give little copper contact, so the new spirit is heavy and full, mellowing with time. Water comes from a local spring in the Blue Hill area above the village.

Reduced to 46%, it is mellow. Soft orchard fruit, honey and a gentle spice run through it, smooth and approachable. The texture is full and oily, the fruit lifted by a meaty weight. The finish runs meaty, waxy and warm. A characterful blended Scotch.