Kingsbarns Balcomie

Thought I'd better try and review at least a few of the many samples I have knocking about so here's one. Kingsbarns Balcomie, "matured exclusively in American oak butts that previously held Oloroso sherry" (MoM). No age so assume fairly young juice as distillation started some time in 2015. Bit of a backstory to this new distillery - in short, an ex pro golf caddy wanted a distillery closer to the golf club (well, who doesn't?), got some investors and, bingo, a new Lowland distillery was born. Lovely stuff.

Nose - Rather sweet with cherry sours, toffee and a little yeasty note.

Taste - a little malt, grilled pineapple and sour citrus. Cinnamon as it develops. Quite a fizzy, sherberty palate.

Finish - short. Hot cinnamon and tart cherry syrup.

Pleasantly surprised by this. For a young malt it does well, perhaps just a tad too sweet for my palate but very good all the same. The cask choice is also interesting and offers an unusual(?) sherry profile that is fun to try. At £45 I'll not be rushing out to buy but it's a distillery I'll be keeping an eye on.