1968, another great year. For example, the General Post Office introduced the first postbus in Scotland. But also, Jim Clark was killed… (S., drop Wikipedia, now!) Colour: dark amber. Nose: it’s a ‘darker’, more chocolaty and more prune-y version of the 1972. A tad earthier as well, and a little more coffee-ish. Other than that, there’s almost as much honey, PX, and even sandalwood. Long story short, it’s just great again. Mouth: perhaps not. Some parts are very lovely, especially the honey sauce, the pipe tobacco, the dried figs and prunes and dates and even bananas… But the oak got a little loud this time, making it a little drying. Cinnamon cake plus ground coffee plus strong tea. All this is very very okay, don’t get me wrong, it’s just lost a part of the, say vibrancy that both the 30 and the 1972 had. A feeling of walnut stain – not that I drink walnut stain every day, of dried porcinis, and more coffee beans and bitter chocolate. Finish: medium, dry, and a little drying. More bitter chocolate and coffee. Comments: perhaps the death seat effect, since the 1972 was so great. So let’s remain fair and balanced…
Gal Granov (93)
This whisky was aged for 45 years, mostly in ex-bourbon casks, then a short finishing period in a sherry hoggie. (not quite sure how long this finish lasted). 349 bottles all in all, and it’s still available (if very expensive).
Nose: The sherry effect is not massive, but the 40 odd years left quite a bit of lovely notes here. Were off to a start with some a waxy feeling, followed by dark old wood, Black tea with a smoky touch (Lapsang). There’s also some wet oak, Mushrooms and wood varnish. It is also A bit salty (think brine).
Palate: The palate delivers too, continuing on the old wood and mushroom combination, black tea and tobacco as well as a sweet note of old sherry. The sherry finish did not overwhelm the liquid, and that is good news.
Finish: Very dry. wine tannins, Lapsang and old benches.
