Whyte and Mackay 19 Years Review

Country: Scotland

Brand: Whyte & Mackay

Type: Blended Whisky

Age: 19 Years

Alcohol: 40%

Colour: Deep Golden

Nose: More mature than the Thirteen and with notably less Alcohol. Sultanas, Figs, Malt, Licorice, Oak, Sherry, Red Wine. Hints of Honey, Nutmeg and Bourbon. In a blind tasting I could have easily thought that this whisky had been finished in Red Wine Barrels or Port Pipes. I would describe this as a Dark Nose with Dark Fruits, Dark Wine and Charred Oak.

Taste: Rich and Fruity, Sweet Grain, Dark Chocolate, Black Pepper, Nuts, Sultanas, Honey, Toffee and Oak.

Finish: Licorice, Oak, Toffee, Sultanas, Honey, Cherries and light Pepper.

When you add a bit of water, the Nose reveals a bit more Stone Fruit like Pears and more Honey and Vanilla. On the Palate, Honey and Sweet Grain take control while Licorice and Black Pepper dominate the Finish. I prefer it neat but there is sufficient room to experiment with a couple of drops.

Rating: 84 

Nose 21.5 – Taste 21 – Finish 20.5 – Overall 21

General Remarks: Allan & Poynter started as a warehouse in 1843 in Glasgow, gradually getting into the business of storing whiskies as well. The company changed hands various times before it was sold to Whyte & Mackay. Soon afterwards these two partners started to blend whisky. Between 1900 and 1950 the company survived despite the World Wars and the recession. In the sixties things became better. After a large number of take-overs, United Spirits from India took control in 2007. At the moment, the Diageo Group is making a bid for a stake in the company (September 2012).

The blend is made following the Double Marriage process and has a larger Malt content than the Thirteen. First, Single Malts mature in Oak Barrels for at least 18 Years. These Malts are then married and transferred to Sherry Casks from Jerez for another year. Finally, this Malt Blend is mixed with Grain Whiskies before bottling.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Drinking Experience on the Rocks: Good

Conclusion: This is certainly a step up from the Thirteen. There is hardly any Alcohol that hinders the Nosing of this Dram. It’s quite smooth and mature. Despite the 19 years, the Wood is not very dominant. If anything, I find this Blend a little on the dark and moody side. A bit too much Speyside perhaps but in the end that’s a matter of personal taste. As it is, the 19 is a good Blend with a reasonable price tag.

Jan van den Ende                                                        September 27, 2012