Aqua Vitae 2010 Secret Highland 11 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Aqua Vitae 2010 Secret Highland 11 Year Old Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a distinctive Highland release distilled in 2010 and matured for 11 years before being bottled in 2021 as part of Aqua Vitae’s Guardian Series. The undisclosed Highland distillery is widely associated by enthusiasts and retailers with Clynelish, making this an intriguing opportunity to explore the waxy, mineral-driven and fruit-forward style for which the northern Highland distillery is renowned. Matured in a single bourbon barrel and bottled at natural cask strength of 51.6%, only 302 bottles were produced from Cask #2544.

Distillery: Secret Highland Distillery (believed to be Clynelish)
Bottler: Aqua Vitae
Series: Guardian Series
Age: 11 Years Old
ABV: 51.6%
Cask Type: Bourbon Barrel
Cask Number: #2544
Outturn: 302 Bottles 

Aqua Vitae is an independent bottler recognised for presenting distinctive single cask whiskies through highly visual, themed releases. This bottling forms part of the Guardian Series, which draws inspiration from mythological creatures, pairing each whisky with a guardian chosen to represent its individual character. This particular release features the Griffin, the legendary creature combining the strength of a lion with the majesty of an eagle and traditionally depicted as a guardian of precious treasures. The concept provides a fitting backdrop for a scarce single-cask Highland malt, with the whisky presented at cask strength, non-chill filtered and without added colouring to preserve the character of the original spirit.

Tasting Notes:
Bright orchard fruits and citrus open alongside honey, vanilla and the distinctive waxy character associated with classic northern Highland malt. Ripe apples, poached pear and lemon oils develop into richer notes of malt, toasted nuts and gentle oak, with an underlying mineral quality bringing freshness and structure. The palate is oily and concentrated, combining cooked fruits, vanilla sweetness and citrus with touches of wax, toasted oak and subtle spice. The finish is long and warming, leaving lingering fruit, honeyed malt, mineral notes and a gentle waxy dryness.