2008 Secret (Edrington) 15 Year Old "Faultline" K&L Exclusive Single Refill Hogshead Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

This fun and oddball cask is truly a mystery. Normally, when we have a mystery barrel, it's all nudge nudge wink wink, but in this case the bottler simply had no information about the true source of the whisky. All they knew is that it was distilled in Speyside and was sold through the apparatus around Edrington. Now, we assume it must be one of their distilleries, but we honestly do not know. Most likely suspects are Macallan or Glenrothes, though trading is rampant so it could be really any full-bodied Speyside. It doesn't remind me much of Glenrothes which usually has a telltale warehouse base note which is very distinctive. Instead, we have a beautiful complex malt that's driven by malt and fruit. The color is a lovely vibrant deep gold. First nosing is pure heather and honey followed by ripe stone fruit and hints of mossy underbrush. It's really very pretty and not at all overpowered by oak despite the nice color. On the palate, deep creamy fudge, candied peach, Walker's biscuits, crystal malt, wildflower honey and hints of cinnamon. It's so pleasurable and easy to love. With a bit of water, it really freshens up adding a bright citrus and mineral character - I prefer this one at full strength. Another slam dunk Faultline that outperforms the market by leaps and bounds. I'd be fine selling this cask for more than twice the price. Don't blink it will be gone.