Secret Highland 31 Year Old 1987 BYOB-C

You’ll remember that I only recently tried the 4th release and alluded to number three in this Build Your Own Bearded Commando series. Well, number three has now arrived. No wonder it took him so long, for clearly it had to make it’s way back to base from the snowcapped Highlands. We do not know where this Snowtrooper executed its mission, only that it was at a grain distillery. His mission already ended in 2018. Speaking of keeping a low profile behind enemy lines… The contents of the bottle matured for no less than 31 years and judging by the color, it was a very active sherry cask.

The nose is deliciously soft and sweet with first the typical grain notes like pencil shavings and corn on the barbecue, wrapped in caramel, honey, apples in the frying pan with some cinnamon, maple syrup and sultanas. Liquid dessert, anyone?

It is nicely creamy on the palate and again offers up dark and sweet notes with fresh fig, plums, hazelnuts and dark chocolate filled with mint cream. Make that After Eight. And pastry. Yes, this reminds me a bit of bread pudding. Walnuts and oak give it a bitter edge. This will go very well with my coffee.

The finish is medium long, sweet with a fresh minty note, cold coffee and English liquorice candy.

Who said grain can never be as good as malt? Doh! This is an absolute taste bomb. I’m a fan. In the meanwhile, HQ has intercepted a telex that a fifth commando is currently operation on the mythical island of… Islay. I’m looking forward to debriefing that one!