The Lochside 1981 BA Raw Cask #617 is a remarkable 28-year-old whisky, bottled by Blackadder in 2009 at a robust 56% ABV, with only 202 bottles released. This Highland gem from the Lochside Distillery is a prime example of old-school malt whisky, showcasing a unique profile that is both fresh and clean, yet complex and evolving. Despite its venerable age, it retains some delightful mashy notes alongside its array of fruity characters.
On the nose, this expression reveals an enticing bouquet featuring tangerines, apples, hints of Muscat grapes, and vanilla. As a drop of water is added, the complexity deepens, bringing forward notes of lemon, lime, grapefruit, and a subtle metallic hint reminiscent of an "aluminium pan." Menthol notes emerge, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Overall, the nose is powerful and characteristic of the bold selections made by Blackadder, with notes of roasted pineapple, granny apple, light marshmallow, raspberry, peaches in syrup, cane sugar, green oak, and white pepper.
Tasting this whisky neat unveils a punchy and fruit-forward profile, more vibrant than the nose suggests, with flavors of grapefruit juice, passion fruit, and lemon. When water is introduced, grassy notes become more pronounced, accompanied by a touch of chlorophyll gum and spearmint. The palate also features flavors of green apple, lime, guava, pineapple, light ginger, white pepper, vanilla, and a hint of rhubarb, all anchored by a faintly astringent green wood.
The finish is long and satisfying, leaving lingering notes of pineapple in syrup, lime and its zest, light toffee, vanilla, white pepper, marshmallow, and meringue. This expression is a beautifully crafted, grassy malt whisky, embodying the best characteristics of a bygone era. While it may not reach the legendary status of the 1965 or 1966 vintages, it remains a must-try for any whisky enthusiast.
This expression is unique due to its limited release of only 202 bottles, its 28-year aging period, and the distinctive selection by Blackadder, known for choosing barrels with strong character and complexity.
Expect a rich array of flavors including tangerine, apple, Muscat grapes, vanilla, grapefruit juice, passion fruit, lemon, lime, guava, pineapple, light ginger, white pepper, vanilla, and rhubarb.
Adding water enhances the complexity, revealing additional notes of lemon, lime, grapefruit, a subtle metallic hint, menthol, and more pronounced grassy notes, including chlorophyll gum and spearmint.
The Lochside 1981 BA Raw Cask #617 is a delightful journey through layers of complex flavors and aromas. Its powerful nose, vibrant palate, and long, satisfying finish make it a standout expression. While it may not achieve the legendary status of some earlier vintages, it remains an excellent example of old-school malt whisky, making it well worth trying for any whisky enthusiast.
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Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch No.1 Small Batch Release 19yo 46.2% 700ml
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