Banff 1976 (cask #2251)

This Banff was distilled in August 1976 and bottled in July 2001 by Signatory Vintage.

Banff 24 yo 1976 (55,8%, Signatory Vintage 2001, cask #2251, 284 btl.)

Nose: malty and fruity at first, as if it was much younger. A little vanilla. Then showing subtle spices and a lovely dustiness. Farmy notes. Some wax and motor oil. A little mustard seed and cold ashes. Then going back to pear and hints of heather. A lot of austerity but also some fruity notes to balance it, I love it.

Mouth: now just marginally fruity (tangerine). Quickly moving towards heather and oak. Big grassy notes with a briney coastalness. Quite peaty and sharp in the end (mustard, ginger). The fruitiness comes back with a drop of water.

Finish: dry, ashy with a little pepper and some bitterness.

A rigorously Spartan Banff, showing the unique profile of this distillery that seems so far away from the traditional Speyside style. It may be a little harsh for some. Very hard to find nowadays, expect to pay € 200 and more.

Score: 90/100