Convalmore 1978 24 Year Old

Convalmore was closed in 1985. The site is in ruins. While the brand Convalmore remained with Diageo, the buildings were sold to William Grants & Sons, who still use the warehouses today. This Rare Malts release appeared in 2003 and is worthy of its name. After all, there are barely any official releases, but it is also very hard to find with independent bottlers.

The nose is very waxy and inviting. I get all kinds of citrus fruit (mandarin, lime, blood oranges and a hint of pink grapefruit), upholstered with coconut, honey and some diesel oil. In the background I get some sultanas and green tea, something of menthol and chocolate. Almonds? Feel free to call this complex.

It is mouth coating, round and oily and immediately reminds me of beeswax, honey and tobacco leaves. The fruit slowly shines through. Almost tropical. Lovely on citrus like on the nose, with some herbal tea and mango in the mix. The menthol returns and precedes a trace of woodsmoke, which I really like. This is almost like a mix of Clynelish (maybe even Brora!), Mannochmore and Bladnoch to me. Wonderfully old school. Delicious.

The finish is quite long, remains waxy and fruity, but the menthol and woodsmoke have the final say.

Lovely, complex Coleburn, but next to unaffordable if you can still find it. This is only my third Coleburn, but what treat. Thanks, Chris!

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