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Do you know North British distillery was based in 1885 to interrupt the monopoly of DCL’s Cameronbridge and Caledonian? Blenders had been in search of an alternate supply of grain whisky and joined forces to construct a brand new plant – virtually a crowd-funded cooperative. These days it’s an equal partnership between Edrington and… DCL (now referred to as Diageo).
Whereas grain distilleries have a tendency to make use of the most cost effective grain accessible (at the moment wheat), North British continues to make use of corn (maize), with as much as 20% malted barley.
We attempt three 30+ 12 months outdated North British whiskies – impartial bottlings from Liquid Treasures, Whisky AGE and Hogshead Imports.
North British 34 yo 1989 (43,7%, Liquid Treasures ’fifteenth Anniversary’ 2024, bourbon barrel, 123 btl.)
Nostril: opens in a vivid manner, with a lot of lemons, some grassy notes and light-weight whiffs of nail polish remover. Some coconut and vanilla, however not overdone. Delicate herbs within the background, in addition to a cakey aspect. Total fairly a pure expression.
Mouth: a pleasant mixture of lemon sherbet with coconut cream. Vanilla custard, good hints of nougat and French croquants with coconut filling. Then tart lemon, orange blossom, even a touch of minerality. Praline brittle? Gentle hints of gingerbread within the distance.
End: not too lengthy, however clear, with citrusy notes, coconut and light-weight oak.
I wasn’t an enormous fan of their earlier North British 1989, however that is rather more to my liking. Nonetheless a really refined, elegant instance of the type, nevertheless it has extra to say. Obtainable from eSpirits.
North British 31 yo 1991 (45%, Whisky AGE 2023, first fill barrel #264536, 189 btl.)
Nostril: fairly comparable by way of lightness. Conserving the center between grassy notes, lemons, shortbread and vanilla. No coconut thus far, however good cake aromas and light-weight honey. Possibly a touch of inexperienced tea and jasmine.
Mouth: and now the coconut comes out. A nice fatty texture, with melons and bananas, vanilla custard and lemons. We’re getting a white rum vibe now. Extra inexperienced tea and hints of pear liqueur in the direction of the end.
End: medium size, with a pleasant candy and bitter steadiness.
Regardless of the completely different classic, that is very shut collectively. Good to see this lighter type with much less oak affect. On different days I’d most likely discover this lacks a little bit of construction. Rating: 83/100
North British 31 yo 1991 (46,7%, Hogshead Imports, first fill bourbon barrel)
Mouth: identical, identical. Candy coconut within the fore, with yellow apples, loads of vanilla cream, creamy oak and caramelized cereals. Popcorn too.
End: longer than the others, sweeter and extra coconutty. Corn, almonds and hints of white chocolate.
Whereas the primary two shared a sublime, thinner profile, that is thicker and sweeter, with extra oaky notes. Total extra typical, I’d say. Fairly a traditional coconut / Malibu type. Rating: 84/100
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