Girvan is a Lowlands grain distillery. It is said to be the most modern, industrialized distillery of Scotland. They are part of the William Grant group (Glenfiddich / Balvenie) and produce the grain whisky that is necessary for their blends. This 1964 expression was bottled in the latest Fights series by The Whisky Agency.
Girvan 48 yo 1964 (49,5%, The Whisky Agency ‘Fights’ 2012, ex-sherry butt, 487 btl.)
Nose: a lot of freshly shaved oak and a hint of glue in this one. Baked bananas, coconut oil and vanilla. Toffee apple. A little grassiness and leather as well. Those are common aromas for a grain and in this case they’re nicely integrated with whiffs of medium-aged rum and bourbon. A little wood-driven overall, and there’s a slight pungency to it.
Mouth: again very much like rum, with molasses, baked bananas, caramel, yellow raisins and a pineapple / coconut combo. A little toffee too, roasted almonds and then soft spices and liquorice.
Finish: medium long, drier and gingery but not too oaky.
This Girvan grain whisky is fresh, not too oaky, and very classy. An intriguing crossover of rum, bourbon and grain whisky. Around € 220.
Score: 89/100