Oh boy, by now I’ve tried at least 25 of these undisclosed 1970’s Speyside malts. This is the seventh expression distilled in 1975. It’s bottled by Maltbarn who seemed to have access to some of the greatest casks in the series.
Speyside single malt 43 yo 1975 (50,1%, Maltbarn 2018, sherry cask, 56 btl.)
Nose: sunflower and linseed oils, with old paper, beeswax and hints of tangerines. Dried flowers and herbs, maybe a hint of marihuana and tobacco. Lemongrass. Whiffs of cider apple. Others have been fruitier, but it’s still great.
Mouth: big (slightly fragrant) oak, dried flowers again, herbal tea and resinous notes. Cardamom. Dusty oak. A bright top note of citrus and passion fruit. Menthol.
Finish: medium, very herbal, with oak, ginger and lemon oil.
Great whisky but to me this seemed slightly more woody than some of its siblings: I couldn’t find the same level of brilliant fruitiness that is so typical for this batch of casks. Spoiled, just spoiled.
Score: 90/100