Holt's Buff Label (bottled 1966)

Stanley Holt & Son released a blend from 1950 until 1972 as Holt’s Buff Label, of which the whisky is said to be 100% sherry matured. The company was acquired by Long John Distillers in 1963 who discontinued the label in 1972. This was all long before the age of internet, making it difficult to find much more about this blend. I was told that the fingerprint malt might in fact have been Aberlour. My buddy Marcel from Holland offered me a sample from a bottle from 1966.

Lovely dark and sweet nose on raisins, almond cake, paraffin, baked Granny Smith and cinnamon, with a drop of wine vinegar and a nice hint of peat. Old school and pleasant. This can easily compete with today’s blends.

On the palate it’s a bit less though. Watery and light. But wait… after the second sip it does become pleasing with some dark notes of dry sherry, lots of peat and pepper. It seems to be gaining body. Weird, but nice.

The short finish leaves the mouth completely dry.

Liquid history, all but gone and hence a pleasant experience. Thanks, Marcel.