Very well-aged grain whisky from Strathclyde that was distilled way back in 1977 and matured in a 2nd fill ex-Bourbon barrel for 39 years. One of only 67 bottles. Old & Dignified profile.
Nose: Warming vanilla, shoe polish and wood varnish are joined by further aged notes of leather and fresh golden tobacco. There’s still a lot of liveliness here with honeycomb, lime zest and sappy oak. A little water increases the earthy dustiness and oak notes, and reduces the prevalence of polish. It seems that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Taste: Starting with a sweet fruit salad drenched in honey this remains in fruity territory with creamy vanilla, orange peels, lime zest and buttery biscuits. Cask spicing is surprisingly low key – just a light grating of nutmeg. Dilution brings out even more fresh fruits – peaches and nectarines.
Finish: A superb long and lingering finish which gradually works its way through a rainbow of fruitiness, fading wonderfully on the palate.
This Strathclyde is worth trying for the memorable finish alone. The fact that the nose and palate also work a treat is further evidence that the whisky world really needs to wake up to the quality that’s it’s possible to achieve with well-made and well-aged grain. Seriously good.