North British 24 Years Old 1989

Scottish single grain whisky

46% ABV, £65.50 for 70cl from Wm Cadenhead

Score: 80/100

What they say:

If your a fan of the sweeter styles of whisky such as bourbon then this might be for you.

[sic] Distilled in 1979 then aged in ex bourbon barrels for 33 years. Only 222 bottles produced of this rare vintage single grain.

Nose: Lots of toffee, melted butter, white chocolate and hints of ginger.
Palate: Thick and chewy vanilla ice cream, some biscuity notes and lots of caramel notes.
Finish: Following the intense creamy toffee notes more of the spices emerge, particularly ginger and cinnamon with sparkling lemon notes.

What I say:

Umm.. actually distilled in 1989 and matured for 24 years as it says on the bottle, however here is what we thought. This was dram #3 at the Water of Life Society EWB Greatness of grain tasting.

Colour:

Full amber gold, medium/long tears

Nose:

Honey sweet, vanilla, coconut

Taste:

Creamy, vanilla, coconut cream, custard, crème brulee, quite simple

Finish:

Short and slightly sweet

Overall:

One dimensional (not in the boy band sense) and simple but very easy drinking. A simple bourbon-influenced grain.