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92

Score

Chieftain's (distilled at Springbank) 40 year old, 54%

Price: 1400 Issue: Winter 2010 Reviewer: John Hansell Category: Single Malt Scotch

Aged in a first-fill sherry butt. Soft sherry notes, gentle toffee, golden raisin, green tea with honey, a peppering of spice (cinnamon, red and black licorice, candied ginger, hint of coconut macaroon and brine) and undertones of juicy oak (especially on the finish). Tame, somewhat seductive, and well-rounded. Not overly oaked, and I'm not finding any off notes. A lovely whisky, but not quite as dynamic as the “classic” Springbanks I've tasted from the 60s.