From a now demolished distillery. Nosing this one neat one of the panellists was reminded of the line “it washed away in a tide of longing” from the song  “In the shadow of our pale companion”. Aromas were those of pears poached in Sauternes, cardamom and ginger as well as salted milk-chocolate liquorice caramels. Delicate on the palate yet full of character like Japanese Umeshu plum wine matured in Mizunara oak.

A drop of water and a heady and old fashioned rose-scented perfume emerged next to apple tobacco and vanilla-scented wax candles. On the palate a smooth, relaxed, refined elegance coming from a tradition that spans aeons.

*The Vaults Collection is a selection of the finest and rarest single cask, single malt whisky, set aside from The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s most remarkable stocks over the years. They have been released from the depths of our treasure trove of casks, after decades of slow maturation and careful nurturing. The Vaults Collection represents the whisky lover’s dream: A chance to journey back into whisky history, including the opportunity to experience styles or distilleries that no longer exist. The Collection takes its name from the Society’s historical home at The Vaults in Leith, Scotland’s oldest commercial building in continuous use whose connection with the drinks world dates back to the 12th century. Each bottle has a specially designed label and is offered in a beautiful wooden box.