North of Scotland 50 YO

North of Scotland 50 YO, 40.4 %

This is a very special release in that it is the first and only distillery bottling of whisky from the distillery North of Scotland. The distillery was only active between 1957 and 1980.

This particular whisky is a grain whisky, and a vatting of six casks that had an ABV of between 38 and 42 % when it came time to finally bottling it. All six casks were ex-bourbon, and the liquid was distilled in 1964. Bottling was done in 2017, and the total outturn was 1500 bottles.

Rumour has it a few bottles might be on their way to Norway, for release later this year. You might also stumble across a few bottles online.

Nose: Delicate and refined notes of red berries and vanilla mixed with a light touch of oakiness. With time it opens up and reveals notes of chocolate, tobacco, leather, dry hay and a dusty attic.

Taste: Full bodied and creamy in style, despite the low ABV, which just demonstrates the old age of this nectar. Again red berries, but more fruitiness here in the shape of apples and ripe banana. Mild spiciness with white pepper and ginger.

Finish: Loong finish. Yay! It is so light and delicate it feels almost fragile. Fizzy ginger and a touch of mint towards the very end.

Comment: Sublime!

Score 93/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas