Country: Scotland
Brand: Whyte & Mackay
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: 30 Years (Said to contain Whiskies as old as 36 Years)
ABV: 40%
Colour: Golden Sunset
Nose: It takes a little while before the Nose starts to reveal itself. But give it some time and you will find that this is a well-crafted balanced Nose. No off-notes to be found here. The first words that come to my mind are luxurious, rich, smooth and comfortable like an old English upholstered chair. A nice combination of Grain and Malt Whiskies with Sherry, Leather, Orange Marmalade, Citrus Peel, Figs, Fruitcake, Malt, Marzipan, Light Spices, Wood, Toffee and lots of Dried Red Fruits like Plums, Prunes and Raisins. Buttered Toast and hints of Tobacco and Cocoa Powder. Very much a sherried Speyside Nose.
Taste: As so often I had expected more after the Nose. The delivery suffers from the fact that this Blend was bottled at 40% only. This combination of thirty years old - and even older whiskies deserves an ABV of at least 46%. The basic elements of the Nose are confirmed however as I get Malt, Caramel, Marzipan, Sherry, Citrus Peel, Orange Marmalade, Dry Oak and Nuts. Additionally I find Licorice, Brown Sugar and Dark Bitter Chocolate. I also detect a Soapy off-note that continues in the Finish. Could it be the Jura component?
Finish: Middle Long with Malt, Grains, Slightly Bitter Oak, Bitter Chocolate, Caramel and Anise.
I added a few drops of Water but I don't find significant improvements. Better sip this Blend neat.
Rating: 84.5
Nose: 22.5 - Taste: 20.5 - Finish: 20 - Overall: 21.5
General Remarks: Can't complain about the presentation. Very sophisticated bottle and packaging. I received this Sample from my Belgian friend Glenn VanBellingen. Thanks once again Glenn!
Drinking Experience Neat: Good
Conclusion: This Blend has been elected Blended whisky of the year on two different occasions but based on this sample I can't agree with that. The Nose certainly lives up to expectations but the Palate and Finish don't. Even when I don't consider the clear Soap-like off-note, the delivery is too thin on account of the 40% ABV. Because of that, the luxurious and rich impressions of the Nose are literally watered down. And that's a real pity. I'm not saying that the W&M 30 years is a bad whisky. But this is a very expensive Blend at around 220 US Dollars. At that price level I expect nothing less but an excellent Blend. And the Nose shows that it could have been just that. At 40% however, Nose and Palate do not get the chance to really shine. I really hope I will be able to ask W&M Master Blender Richard Paterson one day why!
Jan van den Ende December 27, 2012
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