So why was this such a "big dram" for me? To answer it in two words: The layers.
I'm simply a sucker for a "layered dram". It is just one of those drams that give you mulitple layers to enjoy. A dram that changes in the time you enjoy it and you just keep finding more notes, more transitions every sniff and sip you take. And this dram had that.

This whisky was bottled at 9 years old at a strenght of 58,4% Vol. It has its natural colour and is non chill filtered. Only 133 bottles were produced.
The bright yellow color reminds me of a thick white wine on a warm summer day.
Looking at it in the glass, you can see it clings nicely to the rim and leaves some thick droplets.

On the nose Quite some notes. First something a little heavy: Malt, faint hints of liquorice, even going towards some leather and chocolate. But then it dances towards fresher and sweeter notes and you get pear, apple, apricots ending in sugared lemon slices. A second sniff gave me hints of dried honey, but at the same time a vague hint of sugar cane. A grassy sweetness.

On the palate, it surprised me. Where the nose was gentle and sweet, the first sip was like a brusque broad shouldered pirate giving you a friendly slap on the shoulder as a greeting. I got something silty in it, going towards a faint, but lingering note of smoke. I definitely got some vanilla and malt in there, but that notes got pushed aside by a summer fruit salad: Apple, nuts and even some blackberries. It is paired by some spices like white pepper and cardamom.

I truly like the lenght of the finish, which, like the other parts, has layers as well.  Again some thing going  towards  a silty note, almost a bit chalky, replaced by warm red fruits like cherry and blackberries. All accompanied by some honeyed grains.