Single Malt Whisky, Scotland/Speyside

Founded in 1824 near the village of Craigellachie, the legendary distillery behind the name ‘Secret Speyside’ officially released its first 18-year-old in 1984. Aged in first-fill sherry casks, this version selected in the cellars of the famous independent bottler, Signatory Vintage, gives free rein to the two facets of its strong personality. Far from detracting from the balance of its aromatic and flavour palette, this dichotomy between nose and palate is, on the contrary, a precious asset which it uses to better win over the taster.

Nose : Rich, deep. Scents of lightly burnt apricot tart, orange jam, gingerbread and cherry brandy underline the oxidative and empyreumatic character of the aromatic palette. Gradually, heady scents of Russian leather permeate the atmosphere.

Appearance : Mahogany.

Palate : Fine, nuanced. Floral (old rose, hyacinth), spicy (ginger nutmeg), chocolatey and wonderfully fruity (mango coulis, quince jelly), the palate is totally different from the nose. Brighter and more extroverted, it evolves on flavours of sandalwood, Emeri cloth and tobacco of great nobility.

Overall : Long, fluffy. Halfway between the nose and the palate, the finish invites us to savour a delicious tarte tatin, apricots, dark chocolate squares and mangoes. More fibrous, the aftertaste is liquorice (bâton), while wisps of Havana smoke float through the air.