Still expertly selected by David Stewart, eighteen of the finest casks from The Balvenie warehouses went into Tun 1509 Batch #8. Some were refill sherry butts – others classic ex-bourbon barrels. As always they were married together one of the large oak marrying vessel that sit in Warehouse 24.

Nose: starts on bright citrus, like lemon tartlets and grapefruit juice, alongside nicely polished oak. It reminds me of a very old cognac with elegant rancio notes. Later vanilla cake, marmalade and hints of toffee come out. Golden raisins, subtle coconut and whiffs of pine needles too.