Whisky: Convalmore 32 Year (1984), Special Release 2017

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 48.2%

Cask: Refill American Oak Hogshead

Age: 32 Years (Distilled 1984, Bottled 2017)

Nose: Candied citrus rinds and paraffin wax candies; canvas bags, crayons, and clay brought a mellow earth and subtle plastic quality to the paraffin; more citrusy lemon with herbal mint and grass; hints of tires and new car further in.

Palate: Medium-bodied, waxy and bright, citrus fruits, pepper, tea, waxed leather, subtle smoke and dank herbal qualities, crayons and clay, earthy and grassy toward the end.

Finish: Long and lingering with lemon zest, candle wax, and citrusy candy.

Score: 9 (92)

Mental Image: Crayon Eaters Biennial Convention

Narrative & Notes: As the aroma developed, it reminded me of the RV showroom that was an absolute staple during the state fair— some mix of tires, new car, and lemon scented cleaning products with distant hints of grass, fried foods, and earth pushing in through the big doors. A bag of old fashioned paraffin candies in hand, I also found waxy crayons which lent a subtle plastic quality to some of the citrus and mint— perhaps a bit of jasmine tea and peach at times. Medium-bodied and very waxy with citrusy orange, tangerine, and pineapple cream candies arriving atop a touch of pepper and occasionally dank old pu’re tea. Earth and clay with a touch of waxy crayons and grass lingered at the end. Long and lingering with citrusy candy and waxy candles.

This was a special pour to mark a special moment— I lusted after this bottle for a while and it lived up to my expectations.  I could never bring myself to pull the trigger on it as it was far more expensive than any other bottle I owned, and now it is long gone. As usual, the tendency for whisky friends and fellows to open up and split bottles provided the perfect opportunity to finally try this release. It was worth wait and, though this was only my second encounter with Convalmore, I understand why some will pay any price to seek it out.

Overall, fantastic. This had a lot in common with the 1977 40 Year from Cadenhead’s that I previously tried— especially the fine balance between citrus, grass, wax, and new plastic. Only one question remains: should I seek out more? Though maybe the better question is whether I can afford to.