1969 Ronnie's Reserve, Cask Ref 16202, Speyside, Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 46.3%

Curriculum vitae, translated literally, is “the story of my life” and covers my lifelong association with Scotch whisky. We can’t think of a more appropriate name for this delicious expression. In the late 1960s, single malt bottlings were beginning to emerge. In those days, the distillation techniques were unbridled compared to today, and they produced some outstandingly good results from the unhurried and artisanal approach.

We had our eyes on this Sherry cask for several years, ring-fencing it with the desire to share it with others. Now bottled, this cask is, we think, one of the top three Sherry casks that we’ve ever been lucky enough to taste. It is not easy to believe that any better will come from this noble Speyside distillery.

Appearance: Mid-amber, enticing.

Bouquet: Speaks maturity; hints of wood polish, dunnage warehouses, intriguing, fruit preserve, linseed oil, lemon marmalade wrapped in a coat of gentle wood resin.

Palate: Elegant in its weight, it delivers flavours of wood spices, nuts and fruits harmoniously and with extraordinary balance.

Finish: Of great length, the tannins and wood resins softly remind us of its years in cask. A slight hint of delicious bittersweet treacle heralds the end and another sip.

Berry Bros. & Rudd