James McArthur Queen of Spey 12 Year Old 2001

This Queen of Spey was bottled especially for the Belgian La Boutique du Chemin and is in fact a Glenfarclas in disguise. It was distilled in November 2001 and bottled in February 2014 after 12 years on a bourbon casks. Quite a high ABV.

The nose is rife with vanilla and butterscotch. It has a bit of a floral side. Heather, I would say. Some pears in the background. Mildly spicy. Touch of oak, drop of honey. Maybe even some maple syrup. Nice nose, but not earth shattering.

It is nicely creamy on the palate. Now the spices are a bit louder. Some pepper and some nutmeg.The pears return and are joined by apples and oranges. The butterscotch remains big and a good helping of honey is added. Becomes quite succulent, but also a touch bitter. Does not need water.

The finish is fairly long, bittersweet and spicy.

A special Glenfarclas, for it is completely devoid of sherry influences. Around 75 EUR, still to be found.