The grain used here is from the same distillery as batch 1 & 2 but it has been matured for 18 years in two refill sherry butts this time, while The core malt is also the same but 15 years old in this release.Seven of the other malts (Highland, Speyside & Islay) are drawn from the same casks as batch 1 & 2, forming the backbone and top dressing of The Tweeddale, and this one is bottled without any artificial collaring.
Nose: Lovely warming sherry notes, mixed with apple and pear drops and malty goodness, some zingy ginger and a bit of lemony touch on the edges (thing lemongrass), giving way to more biscuity notes, some maltiness and grain goodness.
Palate: Warm wood, malt, with apple crumble, wood spices,bits of dark chocolate, and raisins.
Finish: Medium long, chocolate, fruity (grape, sultana) and malty with creamy finish.
in one word: a belter. This is a true fine example how a really good blend should taste like. Great work by Alasdair.
I fell into one of these bottles by accident. I was actually at the LCBO to pick up a Springbank 15 when I saw over by the tasting bar a fellow in full Scottish regalia. It was Alasdair Day who invited me to sample the Blend, which I did. I found it was really good - surprisingly so - and bought a bottle, which he signed.