GLENROTHES 13 ans 2005 The Little Big Book Douglas Laing

Nose : rich, deep. Toffee, beeswax, candied orange, Russian leather, cocoa, toasted walnut and clove appear one after another with clarity and order. Allowed to breathe, oranges become blood oranges and the sherry rancio reveals black fruit (blackcurrant, blueberry) and brandied cherry. Gradually it becomes medicinal (camphor) and spiritual (incense).

Palate : dynamic, resolute. The mineral (lava) attack begins exactly where the aromatic palette leaves off. Only the fruits have changed (apricot, peach). Next, acacia honey and chocolate gradually coat the taste buds. On the mid-palate, new spices join the fold (cardamom, cinnamon). The very expressive end of the palate returns to its first love, leading us to a field of orange trees. Oriental aromas (orange blossom, rose petal) float through the air.

Overall : long, creamy. The start of the finish allows the taster to choose between a hot chocolate or a cardamom tea. Nuts (walnut, almond, sweet chestnut) are delicately placed on deep green foliage to great effect. Next, grated ginger and gentian root bring lots of tone to the end of the palate. The retro-nasal olfaction is vegetal (tobacco), slightly mentholated and powdery (cocoa). The empty glass wavers between curry, date and exotic fruit (pineapple).