Single cask, sherry finished, Burnside 27 Year Old (1996).  Non chill filtered and natural colour, bottled at cask strength (52.9% ABV) with the cask yielding only 292 bottles.  What is Burnside?

NOSE
Subtle citrus of smooth lemon initially, with some tropical kiwi fruit and a little tartness of gooseberry.  Underneath and later on nosing comes the softness of pear and heather honey sweetness.  Finally comes a hint of dried fruits – raisin and sultana suggesting the Sherry finish and the richness about to be tasted.

TASTE
Beautifully balanced richness from the sherry and vanilla make up the start and this builds in the unique Speyside manner with custard and pear drizzled with honey.  There are tinges of coconut and some banana in the background that help to meld the oaky spice back to the sweet sherry and vanilla.  A little dry tobacco leaf and liquorice.  Stunning kaleidoscope of flavours.  A medium body that coats the mouth well, with a pleasing unctuousness.

FINISH
The sweetness diminishes to ginger spice and dry tobacco leaf, but the underscored sweetness travels all the way to the end.

IMPORTANT
Bottles are sold with a decorative/protective cardboard box.