Duncan Taylor The Octave - Glenrothes 1969

Glenrothes 1969 40 Year Old, bottled at cask strength of 45.8% alc by Duncan Taylor for their Octave and Quarter Cask Series.

I am enjoying in a Glencairn glass before dinner. Poured from a freshly opened bottle, not much going on the nose as for the palate.

No doubt the wood influence is significant but this is readily balanced by the big sherry profile and underlying coconut notes that suggests some American oak maturation.

Sweetness, fruity, vanillin oakiness and creamy with an oily, glycerine-like mouthfeel, then progressing to coconut and spice flavours, blue cheese notes and phenol like. Finally, becoming dryish, varnishy, meaty and savoury-salty.

Harmonious integration with a lingering warmth when swallowed as the aftertaste expands to fill every part of your mouth.

Ultra smooth and complex with a finish that lasts and lasts, still as vibrant 15 mins on.

The bouquet blossoms with time spent in the glass.

A humbling privilege to be able to taste something that is older than yourself and apparently limited to 72 bottles in the world (apparently).

Find where to buy Glenrothes whisky