Stewarts Cream of the Barley

This brand is very old, first produced in 1831. It was very popular in Scotland because the same company that owned it (Allied) also owned a chain of pubs! Glencadam used to be at the heart of the blend, but don't know if it still is as that distillery is now owned by Angus Dundee, and this blend is owned by Chivas. I don't know the provenance of this particular mini.

The colour is a medium gold. On the nose it is quite shy and nondescript. Some barley sugar, fresh hay and the very faintest hint of smoke. Quite tart with lemon. Young and spirity, but not fresh enough for those qualities to be charming. Water just flattens the whole thing out, on both nose and palate. Not terrible but very unassuming.

On the palate I detect more malt, but more sharp lemon as well. A bit of caramel, vanilla and pepper but not much. Thin mouthfeel. Not much going on.

The finish is a little raw with some pepper and a bit of wood influence. A bit of toffee at the very end. Well, this was disappointing, after so many solid old blends I've been tasting here. Drinkable but not particularly recommended.