Lochside 1967 Review

Country: Scotland 

Region: Highland (Eastern)

Brand: Lochside 1967 (Malts of Scotland) 

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Age: 45 Years

ABV: 41.7 %

Colour: Light Gold

Nose: This Lochside needs serious time to open up. At least 45 minutes I would say. To be honest I didn't know what to expect of such an old spirit. The Wood is there of course but it's not covering up everything else. It rather forms a solid basis for the other Aromas. Beautiful Creamy and Fruity Notes. Papaya-Cream and Mango-Cream come to mind. Butter Cream as well. I also find Straw, Herbal Tea, Malt, light Lemon, light Vanilla, Cognac, Bourbon and hints of Old Leather and Italian Espresso. Mind you, it will not overwhelm you right from the moment you bring your Nose to the glass. In fact it requires time and patience. But it's very rewarding in the end. Beautiful Balance!

Palate: Here the Oak is really taking the lead. I also find Herbal Tea, Coconut, Grapefruit-Juice, Pepper, Cardamom, Ginger, Lemon, Cognac and ripe Mango.

Finish: Middle-Long and quite Metallic with Oak, Herbal Tea, Bitter Oranges, Licorice, Mint, Nutmeg, Cardamom and Pepper.

You really shouldn't add Water to this Lochside.  

Rating: 88

Nose: 23 - Taste: 21.5 - Finish: 21.5 - Overall: 22 

General Remarks: The Lochside Distillery used to be a Beer Brewery, bought by MacNab Distillery Ltd in 1957. It started distilling both Malt - and Grain Whiskies around that year. It changed hands various times, was mothballed in 1992 and was finally demolished in 2004-2005. Nowadays the MacNab Brand Name is owned by Chivas Regal (Pernod-Ricard).

The Single Malt we are tasting today was distilled in 1967 and bottled in March 2012. It was matured by - and bottled at Cask Strength for Malts of Scotland, an Independent Bottler based in Paderborn, Germany. It matured in Ex-Bourbon Hogshead MoS # 12016 and costs around 460 US Dollars. Only 115 bottles were reserved for Malts of Scotland. This whisky is naturally coloured and not chill-filtered.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good. Wonderful Nose!

Conclusion: I can't deny this was a very special moment! This Lochside is the oldest and most expensive Single Malt I have tasted so far. And from a Distillery that does not exist anymore. Just to think I was only 15 years old when this Whisky was distilled! Still, as always, I try to be as objective as possible which is very subjective of course! The Nose is really very nice once you have given it time to open up. Great Balance and very nice Papaya-Cream notes. On the Palate King Oak rules but it's not over the top. Lots of Herbs and Spices. The Finish has its ups and downs. The Metallic feeling slightly disappoints but the Nutmeg and Cardamom notes are quite nice and clear. All in all a very good Single Malt and I'm glad I was able to taste it. 

Jan van den Ende                                                           November 29, 2013

Clynelish 1995 Review

Country: Scotland 

Region: Highlands (Northern)

Brand: Clynelish 1995 (KIW - Kintra Whisky)

Type: Single Malt Whisky

Age: 16 Years

ABV: 53.7 %

Date: 27/11/2013

Colour: Golden Sunlight

Nose: The Sherry is certainly present accompanied by a light Vegetative Sulphur Aroma that almost disappears with time. I also get Wax, Honey, Malt, Buttered Toast, Straw, Grass, Oak, Lemon, Vanilla, Mandarin, Marzipan, Nuts, Raisins, light Spices and a hint of Leather.The Alcohol is not yet fully integrated. I can't get very excited about this Nose. This is not my first Clynelish and so far this Distillery is not among my favourites I'm afraid.

Palate: Orange Marmalade, Grappa, Toast and Salted Butter, Sherry, Honey, Toffee, Vanilla, Pepper, Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Licorice, Dried Fruits and Nuts, Straw and a hint of Mustard Seeds.

Finish: Middle-Long and Waxy with Orange, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Sherry, Resin, Buttered Toast, Pepper, Cinnamon, Ginger and a pinch of Salt.

I added a bit of Water and the Sulphur disappears. I also get more Malt,  Honey, Vanilla, Marzipan, Citrus Fruit and Pineapple. The Palate becomes more refined but the Finish almost disappears. On the whole, it's certainly worthwhile to add a few drops of Water. Carefully as always as you don't want to overdo it!

Rating: 83.5

Nose: 20.5 - Taste: 21 - Finish: 21 - Overall: 21

General Remarks: The Clynelish we are tasting today was distilled in December 1995 and bottled at Cask Strength by Independent Bottler Kintra Whisky (Deventer, the Netherlands) in November 2012. It matured in a Refill Sherry Butt with Cask # 2156 out of which 90 bottles were reserved for Kintra Whisky. The whisky is not chill-filtered and naturally coloured. It costs around 90 US Dollars. Availability is limited. The Clynelish Distillery was opened in 1819 and rebuilt in 1896. In 1968 a new Clynelish Distillery was erected nearby and the old Distillery was renamed Brora (The Bridges River). Brora was closed in May 1983 and part of the buildings are used by Clynelish, now owned by Diageo.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: This Clynelish is certainly not a bad Single Malt. But it's not quite my style either. The Nose is the less interesting part as far as I'm concerned. Adding a bit of Water does help cleaning it up somewhat. Lots of Grapes and Citrus on the Palate so if you like Grappa you might enjoy this Clynelish as well. The Mustard seed on the Palate is interesting. I think it's the first time I got that in a Whisky. But other than that the Clynelish 1995 KIW is not a Single Malt I will remember for the rest of my life.   

Jan van den Ende                                                      November 2013