Glenlivet Mackillop's Choice Single Cask 1990

I'm wary of independent bottlings, to be honest. I never know what to expect. There's not a lot of information on most of them. And they can go horribly wrong. So when I happened to taste this with a friend I had no expectations.

Which I think is the best way to taste a whisky because if it's not good you're not let down and if it is then you've scored! And, luckily for me, this expression falls into the latter category.

It has a sweet, classic Speyside nose. Lots of vanilla, pudding and toffee. Sugared barley amid crumbly biscuits. Sprinkled with a touch of white spice and a garnish of mint.

The palate is silky with a wonderful delivery. There is honey mixed in with the same butterscotch drizzled on green pears and a hint of oak with a touch of fennel shavings.

The spicy finish of sugared pears is a lovely end to this treat.

A lovely dram.

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