come from Inver House’s Balmenach distillery, near Grantown-on-Spey. The 18-year-old expression of Deerstalker possesses an intriguing and inviting nose, with obvious herbal notes, plus eucalyptus, heather and hints of well-mannered Sherry. Rich and warming on the palate, this is a big-bodied beast, with well harmonised malt and Sherry flavours prevailing. A suggestion of peat smoke lingers in the background, and the finish is long and sophisticated. This is a first class Speyside dram. 40.0% ABV, 70cl, House of Bruar, Harrods, selected whisky specialists.