Whisky : North British 30 Year; Dramfool

Country/Region : Scotland/Lowland (Grain)

ABV : 48.4%

Cask : Refill Bourbon Hogshead

Nose : Soft and subtle with vanilla cream cheese frosting, coffee creamer, whey, and soft cheese.  Subtle lemon zest and oaky spices hang in the background.

Palate : Medium bodied with a nice oiliness and mild flavor profile.  Very lactic and creamy with yogurt-like milk fats, whey, vanilla extract, and refined sugar.  Hints of earthy red ginger, multigrain dough, and salty lavosh pop on the back end.

Finish : Medium length dry sweet oaky spices.

Score : 5

Mental Image : Little Miss Muffet

Something Better : Octomore X4+10 Concept_02 (similar lactic/milk quality, more caramel/dryness)

Something Similar : Port Dundas 28Y; Douglas Laing’s Old Particular (similar yogurt, more fruit)

Notes : A single grain whisky that was more interesting than it was good.  This really toed the line between oddity and delicious which I makes it the perfect dram to share with a group of friends or at a tasting.  It was unusual, especially in its lactic quality, and that is sure to spark some conversation.  The almost creamy quality reminded me strongly of the fresh whey wash leftover from concentrating milk fats during cheese making.  It was definitely different than the custardy notes that I usually look for in an old grain whisky.  Overall, this was a lovely mellow dram which showcased some of the really interesting notes that old grain whiskies can contribute.  A great way to understand some of the tools with which blenders work to create their final products, but not something I would sip on in the normal course of a week.