Whisky: Glentauchers 10 Year (2010), Hunter Laing's The Sovereign for K&L

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 58.3%

Cask: Wine Barrel

Age: 10 Years (Distilled 2010, Bottled 2021)

Nose: Buttercream frosting, vanilla extract, honey butter, cinnamon pound cake, malty dough, a kiss of citrus.

Palate:  Medium-bodied, a touch of spirited prickle, orange, buttercream, vanilla honey, almond extract, marzipan, ginger, subtle vegetal or leather quality at the end.

Finish: Medium to short and drying with orange, almonds, and almond pastries.

Score: 5

Mental Image: Cupcake Parlor

Narrative & Notes: The aroma brought to mind a baking competition with competitors quickly whisking together vanilla extract and buttercream frosting to slather over cupcakes, adding whipped honey butter to rolls, and tossing butter, cream, and ample cinnamon into a mixer for a hefty pound cake. The aroma was malty and sweet with whole wheat dough and a gentle kiss of salt, lemon, and orange. Medium-bodied, the palate had a touch of youthful spirit, with orange, buttercream, vanilla, and honey leading the way. Fruity almond extract and marzipan popped as the dram settled across the palate, with orange zest lingering at the end with almond pastries and hints of ginger and something more vegetal or leathery. The finish was medium to short and drying with orange, almonds, and almond pastry.

I love the camaraderie and collective struggle of baking competition shows, especially those gems from Great Britain (there are some similar BBQ shows in the US). The competition may be challenging and sometimes unforgiving, but the attitude of the competitors and judges is a balm for the soul after a long day. I thought this dram's aroma and flavor profile perfectly suited the baking show vibe with its big maltiness and vanilla extract on the nose and almond on the palate.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised when I finally tucked into this one. I had somewhat low expectations, especially after the nose seemed straightforward, but the palate offered such a fruity display that my tune began to change. It was not a life-changing malt; it was young and occasionally a bit feisty for my taste, but not a bad bargain.