Glenlochy 1974 Connoisseurs Choice

Glenlochy... I checked my archives and it turns out that I last tasted Glenlochy in 2014! Moreover, this is only the fourth malt of this distillery, which closed in 1983, that I taste. That's really liquid history, isn't it? You won't find much of the buildings – near the legendary Fort William – because in 1992 they were sold to West Coast Inns Ltd, who housed a hotel and restaurant in them. In the kiln then, the only part that is still standing. Since 1986, the building has been a historical heritage site. We are tasting a 1974 release from the old Connoisseurs Choice series of Gordon & Macphail, bottled in 1989, so about 14 to 15 years old.

Ah, the nose immediately exudes a lot of old school character. Dusty, yet fruity on apricot and pear. Something of white bread with applesauce. Freshly cut grass and the white flesh of coconut. Some gooseberries, hay and even a slightly salty element. Beautiful!

The body is a bit on the light side, but then, it is only at 40% (and maybe it has already lost a percent or two along the way). Still nice and fruity on orange, apricot, pear, gooseberries with a nice drop of honey and again that old school character that now translates into paper or even cardboard (but without being disturbing!). Midpalate it seems to be gaining momentum, even. A slight bitterness appears as if from fruit tea drawn for too long. Ginger and licorice. Still very tasty, though.

The finish is surprisingly long on pear, applesauce and licorice. And, yes, on the deathbed that surprising salty note appears again.

Now, let’s hope it doesn't take another 9 years before I come across another Glenlochy.

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