From the latest batch of Antique Lions of Spirits bottlings: Bladnoch 1990 from a bourbon cask.
Bladnoch 27 yo 1990
(49,4%, Antique Lions of Spirits ‘Butterflies’ 2017, bourbon cask, 276 btl.)
Nose: warm fruity notes (mirabelles, apricots, clementines, papaya) with hints of vanilla and polished oak. Honey, buttercups, subtle linseed oil. Sweet lemons. A very warm, almost tropical version.
Mouth: the lusicous fruits are still there (apricots, grapefruits, limes) but it gets a little grassier now, more typically Bladnoch if you like. Fresh minty notes, as well as some star anise. Peppercorns. Green tea. Lightly bitter herbs. Overall greener than on the nose.
Finish: long, very zesty, very grassy, with hints of resinous oak.
The warm vanilla and fruits really make the nose shine. Stays very good on the palate, even with the added grassy notes and bitter edges. Still available in some places, around € 230-240.
Score: 89/100