The Picts 21 Year Old 1997 for MMM

In 2019 Manny and I will again seek out 4 lovely single casks for our new Tribe Series and we are proud to present the first one to you: The Picts. The label was designed by Flemish artist and close friend Jurgen Robyns. He will be designing all four labels for our Tribe Series. He was inspired by the tribes that shaped modern Scotland. And the whisky? Well, that remains a secret. Let’s just say that it was distilled at a world famous distillery – founded in 1886 – in the valley of the deer and matured for 21 long years on a bourbon cask. Nuff said.

The nose is candy-like sweet on candied kiwi, banana and Granny Smith apples with a floral note. There is a herbal side to it that I cannot quite figure out, but gives it a special depth. Some pecan nuts in the background. Delicious and inviting.

It is pretty punchy upon arrival, without burning, with a clear hint of woodsmoke. Caramelized orange peel, some saffron and nutmeg. Not overly complex, but certainly beautiful. The whisky can cope with a drop of water, but does not need it at all. Eminently quaffable.

The finish is tremendously long and heartwarming.

The Picts were fierce warriors and this malt would certainly have strengthened their resolve. A fantastic Speysider to start our new series with.