Càrn mòr strictly limited Glentauchers

From a well-regarded whisky advent calendar, I'm tasting this spirit blind. My initial impressions for aroma, taste, and aftertaste will be followed by a reveal of details like proof and cask type, with some educated guesses along the way. Cheers! Aroma: Sweetened honey, cereal grains, ripe banana, and red apples. Hints of strawberry, cherry, and an earthy, damp character that isn't harsh like new spirit. My guess is around 10 years old. It brings to mind applesauce with old, ground cinnamon and a touch of mint. The fruit and the earthy notes suggest a possible sherry cask influence? It’s like cherry cola. Could the alcohol content be around 50%? I'm getting notes of oranges studded with cloves and nutmeg. I suspect it's entirely malted barley, as the smooth, full body makes me doubt the presence of any grain whiskey. Everything is well blended. I'm not entirely certain of the origin, but perhaps Speyside? Taste: Tastes of Luxardo maraschino cherries, oak, and vanilla. Despite its sweetness, there's a drying sensation. This makes me ponder if there's older spirit present or perhaps a re-charred barrel, imparting a tannic and slightly bitter quality. I'm tasting strawberries with balsamic and black pepper. Very ripe orange flavor. Black pepper, cinnamon, and a bit of nutmeg. There's a subtle vegetal note, like lemongrass and bell peppers? It's quite balanced, though a bit fiery. Tingles across the entire tongue. I'm starting to think it might be a sherry cask at a higher proof. Medium body. Aftertaste: Ethanol, char, vanilla, and cherries. Honey and vanilla emerge, with a significant amount of tannin. The profile shifts, bringing back black pepper, nutmeg, and citrus oils. There might even be a hint of pine. If you let it linger, you'd swear you're tasting blueberries. Moderately long finish. Additional thoughts: Speyside? Confirmed. Proof? Not quite – it's 47.5%. Cask? Mostly – a first-fill sherry puncheon. I believe most distilleries use casks 'seasoned' with sherry rather than truly ex-sherry casks. I wonder if this contributed to the strong oak presence, particularly the spice and tannin. This was enjoyable! It's not an overly sweet, sulfurous explosion, and while the sherry is definitely present, the balance suited my preferences. Don't get me wrong, it's sweet, but not excessively so. If I encountered a bottle, I might consider purchasing it. Salud!

The aroma brings forth notes of rich apple and spice cake. It's sweet. The palate is not as intensely sweet, offering instead a lively, vibrant flavor profile with a pleasing warmth. It’s remarkably mellow considering the 47.5% ABV. I had a great time with this one!

A fine pour.