Strathmill 35 Year Old 1976 A.D. Rattray

Strathmill features somewhat low on my fav-list, partly because of the disappointing 10 Year Old from Chieftain’s and the fact that it’s a big component in J&B and Dunhill, two blends I wouldn’t drink if I could avoid it. But perhaps this 35 Year Old will change my mind? It was distilled in 1976 and bottled in 2011 by A.D. Rattray.

Oh, hang on! This is good! Fresh and crispy nose on white fruit (apples and pears), creamy butter, honey and lime. Sprinkled with pepper, ginger and cinnamon. OK, Strathmill, your star is rising!

On the palate, it is soft, somewhat creamy and very spicy, but still austere. White pepper and ginger, again. Licquorice and quite some bitterness from the oak. The cask left its mark, insofar that the fruity tones, yes even the honey, is drowned out. Not bad, but it cannot fulfill the promise of the nose. Austere, like I said.

The finish is medium in length and drying. It dies a bitter death.

Strathmill has, thanks to the nose of this single cask, risen considerably on my list, but despite the great nose it remains somewhat austere on the palate. Having said that, you can get this whisky for about 125 EUR. That’s very cheap, considering the whisky is 35 years old.

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