Solara Sherried Whisky 45.7% 70cl

Straight from outta space side... ahem, sorry – Speyside, comes Solara, a superbly sherried and generously aged single malt. There's definitely an astrological theme here with the planets of the solar system depicted on the label. The name also reminds us of the traditional solera system, often used to age sherry. Clever! This well-aged single malt was treated to a generous finish in oloroso sherry octaves, though these ones didn't actually come from a solera, they were freshies.

Tasting notes from the Master of Malt team:

Nose Fresh apples and juicy pears with buttery pastry and oily barley in tow. Soft peach and creamy vanilla join in time, with raisin-studded fudge and mellow oak.

Palate Superbly soft with unctuous layers of sticky sweet sherried oak. Creamy caramel and cooked orchard fruits are followed by a touch of drying baking spice.

Finish Tannic, leathery oak brings a drying touch to the finish, with clove and root ginger, cinder toffee, and chocolate-coated cranberries.