We’ve seen some Secret Highland Malt 1985 releases last year, from The Nectar and The Whisky Agency among others. Some of them were rumoured to be Glenmorangie, although I’ve also seen Tomatin in some descriptions.
The one we’re trying today was bottled by Oxhead Whisky Company, headquartered in Singapore with branches in China and the UK.
Secret Highland Single Malt 37 yo 1985 (43,2%, Dram-Addicts / Oxhead Whisky 2022, sherry hogshead #1018, 233 btl.)
Nose: fruity and waxy, mostly on peaches and mirabelles, with oranges and quinces. A hint of guava even. It’s slightly jammy, with light hints of pollen and precious wood underneath. Fruitcake and dried mint. Wee hints of dusty books and metal polish. Nice and complex.
Mouth: sweet and herbal now. Not exactly fruity but there are echoes of plums and tangerines. Instead we find herbal honey and herbal tea, with soft biscuity notes, barley sugars and spearmint. Some waxy / resinous notes. Later subtle chocolate and a hint of curry spice comes out. Aniseed as well.
Finish: medium length, quite leafy now, with a pleasantly fragrant and bitter edge and dried herbs. Ginger and leather too.
This is in line with the other ones we had. It shows a very attractive combination of sweet, spicy and herbal notes. A well aged whisky with rounded oak. If you like a complex, polished and slightly delicate profile, this will not disappoint.