Littlemill 1988 / 2013 Malts of Scotland #13035 52.1%

Yes, perfect marriage of a gentle sherry and fruity spirit. So sticky drops of molasses, dates, caramelized walnut candy and chocolate meet the vibrant yellow and orange buzz of ripe orchard and tropical fruit. It’s a hard match to make but this one stuck the landing. Warm spice like cardamom and cinnamon keep a heat on, and the wood is most certainly present but its oaken grasp doesn’t strangle the whisky. At least until the palate, where cedar, pine resin and some minty black tea really come to the fore. But it is an incredibly tenacious spirit-birthed fruit that carries it’s fierce flag past wood and sherry and well into the finish. Reminds me of how some fruity Irish can be so light and effervescent but have a fruitiness that lingers the entire day. 91 pts