Invergordon 45 Year Old Douglas Laing Old Particular 1974 Single Refill Cask DL13230 K&L Wines (2019) 75cl

1 of only 109 bottles!

The single malt explosion of the last decade has created more interest in Scotch whisky than ever before. Along with the resulting throngs of devoted malt lovers, an unheralded category has begun to make inroads with connoisseurs and collectors alike. Single Grain whisky is the other side of Scotch, the hidden side. Normally relegated, the unmentionable filler for the great blends, when it was first created in the mid-19th century, it was extremely controversial. But the very thing that makes grain whisky so profitable for blenders also makes it so extremely intriguing - it's inexpensive to produce. It's used as base to stretch and soften the complex malts, so not a lot of character is needed when they're young. But if they survive longer, things begin to get interesting. Concentration through evaporation is where the magic is hidden. This glorious cask, distilled nearly half a century ago, represents the very finest the category has to offer. Were it a single malt, it would easily fetch several thousands of dollars. It's hard to argue that these very old grains aren't some of the most overtly delicious whiskies around. They don't quite replace malt, but they do scratch a very unique itch, which only grows stronger as you experience more of the old glories. Nothing is softer or smoother. Less than 82 litres of this liquid gold were dumped from a single refill bourbon barrel and priced as an obtainable luxury. Expect surprisingly powerful aromas of coconut, honey and citrus.

TASTING NOTES

Nose: Fruit candies with runny caramel, summer straw and citrus zestiness

Palate: Vanilla rich with bread and butter pudding alongside coconut ice cream

FInish: Lingers with orange rind, more fresh vanilla and honeycomb (CSL)

40.8% ABV

75cl