Carsebridge 48 Year Old 1970 Diageo Special Release 2018

I was looking forward to tasting this Carsebridge for four reasons. First: this grain distillery from the Lowlands is no more (it was closed in 1983 and demolished in the 1990s); second: it is the very first Carsebridge I try; third: it was distilled in my year of birth and fourth: it makes its debut in the Special Releases. Here we go!

A very delicate and almost fragile nose on floral notes of dried flowers, popcorn and overripe peach. Pineapple cubes. Give it enough time and it will certainly please. Hint of white chocolate and fresh wood shavings. Very nice balance and, like I said, very soft.

It is almost syrupy on the palate and damn sweet, but it is becoming of this grain. This is top notch stuff, with touches of pencil shavings, creamy butter, apple juice and caramel with again that floral touch (not soapy!) and soft spices (think ginger and pepper). It remains delicate on the palate as well.

The finish is rather short and light, but I am not bothered.

Grand grain for a closed distillery, what’s not to like? Well, the price maybe. If you want to secure one of the 1000 available bottles, your piggy bank will need to cough up 850 EUR. Independents will charge about half…