Whisky : Strathclyde 14 Year SMWS G10.24 “Sunshine in heaven”

Country/Region : Scotland/Lowland

ABV : 57.3%

Cask : Ex-Bourbon 11Y, 2nd Fill HTMC Hogshead 3Y

Age : 14 Year (Distilled 12 July 2005)

Nose : Custard, butterscotch, and praline.  Waves of gooey caramelized sugars with custard, vanilla cream, caramel flan, and all manner of creamy caramelized desserts.  Slightly nutty, especially with water really bringing out pralines, candied nuts— cashews and pecans— and coffee cake streusel. 

Palate : Full-bodied and tannic with notes of pastries, vanilla, and spice.  Sweet buttery pastries stuffed with cream, pudding, or rich vanilla custard.  Fried dough opened up toward heady notes of oaky vanilla and spice.  A bit of nuttiness on the mid-palate, which became more prevalent with water, gave the impression of almond croissants and pastries.  At the end was a kiss of bitter oak and semi-sweet cocoa powder.

Finish : Lingering custard with a kiss of spice and cocoa.

Score : 7

Mental Image : Premium Boulangerie Basket

Notes : I know a young grain whisky does not sound all that appealing on first blush, but Strathclyde can be excellent at a younger age. I have enjoyed the pair of younger SMWS Strathclyde that I was lucky enough to try at a local tasting. While the bottles did not quite hit the heights of the 41-year SMWS one that I pinned as my favorite from last year— they both had a lovely profile of butter pastries and custard.

This dram was a bit hot at first, though water or just time cooled it off and opened up some of the flavors that had hidden behind the oaky tannins. Overall, it was a fun experience and a great example of how a young single grain can be something more than rocket fuel or filler— it can stand on its own and be delicious.