The label of this undisclosed Speyside Region Malt 1973 doesn’t mention single malt explicitly, so perhaps we can assume it’s one of these very old ‘malt bases’ for the Edrington blends (pointing to Tamdhu, Glenrothes, maybe Macallan…) Even the bottlers have no clue in this case.
It is part of the Butterflies series from Antique Lions of Spirits.
Speyside Region Malt 44 yo 1973 (51,6%, Antique Lions of Spirits ‘Butterflies’ 2017, sherry cask, 372 btl.)
Nose: lusicous. On the warm side compared to similar bottlings. A little more guava and papaya. Some banana, almonds and beeswax. Hints of pollen and honey. Light touches of chamomile and fruit tea. Orange cubes. Whiffs of sandalwood and vanilla.
Mouth: waxy textured, fairly sweet and perfectly fruity. Rather punchy as well, which apparently adds to the fruity richness. Apples and juicy pears, grapefruits, banana cake, guava… Great. A little herbal honey and spearmint. Cinnamon and aniseed.
Finish: long, fruity, on oranges and passion fruits and just a hint of chocolate and spices.
These undisclosed 1973 Speysiders tend to be outstanding already, and this one is in the leading group. I told you, this is a cracking batch from ALOS. Still available from The Whisky Exchange.