Eden Rock Special 1969

I found absolutely no information whatsoever about this Eden Rock ‘Special’ Scotch Whisky. Even the world wide web was mute and my good friend Google on holiday. My shout out on Facebook yielded little more. My friend Billy from London remembered that Grant Bonding Co Ltd was once connected to Glenfarclas and they had their HQ at the same address as Gordon & Macphail. So who knows? This might in fact be one of those blends that were created for the export market. But is it worth trying then? Well, it is golden liquid and it says whisky on the label. That must have been a trick question.

Lovely nose on almond paste, white fruit, vanilla and caramel, but also some guimauve, citrus and Turkish Delight. Surprisingly fresh for its age. Not a trace of OBE. Pleasant surprise.

The arrival is a bit oily and pleasant. Immediately sweet and spicy. Think oranges, ginger, nutmeg and liquorice. Some hazelnuts and oats. The guimauve returns. Quite punchy, actually.

The finish is medium long, bittersweet and spicy.

I admit that my expectations for this little bottle were low, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Complex? No. Good? Certainly.