As you know, four members of the Lindores whisky club turned 40 this year, and for this occasion they threw a birthday party on the eve of the Lindores Whisky Fest.
After some delicious mussels, we were treated with a glorious line-up of drams. Each member selected five bottles from his personal collection. Here goes, in alphabetical order:
- Ardbeg 24 yo 1974 (51,3%, Signatory Vintage 1998, cask #657 + 658, US market, 306 btl.)
- Ardbeg 27 yo 1976 (46%, R.W. Duthie for Alte Tabakstube 1993, cask #921, 341 btl.)
- Aultmore 16 yo 1981 ‘Centenary’ (63%, OB 1997, cask #2508)
- BenRiach 35 yo 1976 (43,8%, OB for Kinko II 2012, hogshead #3035, 158 btl.)
- Brora 30 yo 1972 (46,6%, Douglas Laing OMC for Alambic Classique 2002, 204 btl.)
- Bunnahabhain 1966 (41,4%, Malts of Scotland ‘Angel’s Choice’, bourbon hogshead, 88 btl., 35 cl.)
- Bunnahabhain 43 yo 1968 ‘Dram Together’ (46,5%, The Whiskyman 2011, 120 btl.)
- Caol Ila 20 yo 1974 (43%, Hart Brothers)
- Caperdonich 38 yo 1972 (52,4%, Malts of Scotland 2011, sherry hogshead #1145, 76 btl.)
- Clynelish 33 yo 1973 (54,3%, Signatory Prestonfield 2006, cask #8912, 405 btl.)
- Clynelish 1974 (55,7%, Signatory Vintage 2001, cask #2570, 229 btl.)
- Glenfarclas 44 yo 1968 ‘My Tribute to the 175th Anniversary’ (54,4%, OB Family Cask selected by Luc Timmermans, cask #5241, 175 btl.)
- Glenfarclas 1973 (52,4%, OB Autumn 2013, sherry hogshead #6056, 139 btl.)
- Glen Grant 45 yo (40%, Gordon & MacPhail Licensed, early 1970’s)
- Glen Keith 40 yo 1970 (45,1%, The Whisky Agency ‘Landscapes’ 2010, 215 btl.)
- Lagavulin 15 yo (45%, ceramic decanter, 75cl)
- Lochside 30 yo 1981 (46%, Berry Bros. 2004, cask #610/613)
- Springbank 12 yo (40%, James McArthur & Co)
- Springbank 30 yo (46%, OB 1990s, dumpy bottle)
- Tomatin 35 yo 1976 (51%, Wilson & Morgan 2012, sherry cask #10, 396 btl.)
Quite impressive, I’m still recovering! With one or two exceptions these were all high 90’s scorers. Especially the BenRiach 1976 Kinko II, the Ardbeg 1974, Clynelish 1973 Prestonfield and the Lagavulin 15yo made a big impression.
Here’s another one of my personal highlights, a Brora distilled in March 1972 and bottled April 2002 for Germany. Thanks for sharing, Dominiek.
Brora 30 yo 1972 (46,6%, Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask for Alambic Classique 2002, 204 btl.)
Brora 30 yo 1972 (46,6%, Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask for Alambic Classique 2002, 204 btl.)Nose: interestingly sharp and elegant at the same time. Camphor and bandages, paraffin, growing peat, wet fur, a tyre shop, subtle horse stables… Still these aromas are quite subdued which makes them intriguingly attractive. The nose gets rounder over time, with sweet pipe tobacco and a vague fruitiness. Sublime balance.
Mouth: the same kind of elegant play with flavours. Oily, with hints of peat and different herbs, as well as dry oak and resin. Pu-Erh tea. Liquorice root. Evolves on pear and lemon syrup. Dark chocolate. Vague honey. Pepper and eucalyptus. Again slightly farmy in the background.
Finish: long, with ashes, coastal notes and something tarry.
Typical early 1970’s Brora I would say, with a Port Ellenish coastal character. Excellent whisky, every whisky enthusiast should try such old Brora. Very rare and well over € 1000 in auctions nowadays.
Score: 94/100