Whisky: North Port 22 Year (1982), Private Cellar

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 43%

Cask: Oak

Age: 22 Years (Distilled 1982, Bottled 2004)

Nose: Big mango and aromatic woods upfront with subtle tropical florals; orange with gentle bergamot and incense, passion flower, tropical tea, mellow hints of musty fallen leaves and petals.

Palate: Medium to light-bodied, aromatic woods and resin, bitter orange, citrus rind, a kiss of salt and driftwood; seashells arrived through the underlying minerality, hints of menthol and herbs with teases of lavender, vanilla, and shea butter; burnt candle wicks and cotton toward the end.

Finish: Medium-length and slightly drying with minerals, citrus rind, and aromatic wood.

Score: 7 (82)

Mental Image: Beach Bungalow Bathroom Chic

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was fruity with undercurrents of wood, herbs, and a garden bed in need of raking— it was pleasant and varied with a lovely transition from big clear tropical fruits to florals and earth.  Yet, the palate pulled in an entirely different direction with pronounced wood notes over slightly bitter fruits, subtle florals, hints of burnt candles, and something vaguely plastic at times— a slightly industrial twist for the finale.

It was all very beachcomber chic: the aromatic wood and salty air of a beach bungalow filled with shells, driftwood, corals, and all manner of found treasures. Hints of citrus and florals were reminiscent of household cleaning solutions or even a bar of soap sitting unused for years, its fragrance filing a rarely visited beach bungalow guest bathroom.

Overall, an interesting profile, though the aroma and palate felt a bit at odds at times as the dominant notes largely flipped.

Image Credit: Scotch and Sheen; check out his excellent review through the link.