We’re toasting the spirit of the Gathering with this year’s UK bottling, Cask No. 8.51: Go east. This Deep, Rich & Dried Fruits whisky from Speyside spent its full 9-year maturation in a first-fill ex-PX butt. Expect spice and sweetness in this decidedly autumnal dram. Here’s to adventures together!

GO EAST

Cask No. 8.51

Age: 9 years

Cask: First Fill PX Butt

We discovered raisins floating in a pond of wasabi-infused soy sauce next to fruit dumplings with a dose of brandy as we opened and broke in a new pack of cards. This was very spicy and drying on the neat palate, with crispy, sesame garlic chilli oil noodles combining with cracked black pepper dark chocolate: a fearsome combination indeed.

Following reduction we found ourselves in calmer waters, enjoying peanut brittle, glazed doughnuts, cherry scones, dates and fudge as well as an earthy, sweet pipe tobacco scent. The spice was now wonderfully balanced by the creamy sweetness of a cappuccino with a sprinkling of cocoa powder.

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