North British 2009 SV Bourbon Barrel Matured 46% 700ml

The North British 2009 SV Bourbon Barrel Matured is a 14-year-old single grain Scotch whisky, distilled in one of Scotland's oldest and most prominent distilleries, located in the charming Lowlands region. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship and quality, North British Distillery has a rich history of innovation and expertise. This particular expression is carefully selected from only four bourbon barrels (numbers 260317, 260342, 260346, and 260347) and bottled by Signatory Vintage without any added color or cold filtration, preserving its quality and taste.

On the palate, it reveals a harmonious balance of sweet and spicy flavors, with a core of sap-like grains, a hint of oak, and the richness of caramelized sugar. Ripe stone fruit notes blend with the subtle influence of the bourbon cask. The long, warming finish offers lasting sweetness that gradually fades, making way for drier notes and a touch of spice, creating an elegant and satisfying conclusion to the drinking experience.

The whisky opens with a pleasant sweetness, accompanied by vanilla notes and light hints of honey, followed by soft fruity accents reminiscent of candied citrus. Although the name may suggest a northern Scottish location, North British Distillery is actually one of only six grain distilleries in Scotland, located just south of Edinburgh in the Lowlands. Established in 1885 by Andrew Usher, William Sanderson, James Watson, and John Crabbie, the distillery began production in 1887 with a single Coffey Still, expanding its capacity to three million gallons per year within just three years.

North British whisky is rarely seen on the market, but it is widely consumed, as it is used in popular blends such as Johnnie Walker Black Label, J&B Rare, The Famous Grouse, and Cutty Sark. This 14-year-old North British is a rare find, especially at this price point, making it an exceptional value for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

FAQs

• What type of whisky is the North British 2009 SV Bourbon Barrel Matured?

  The North British 2009 SV Bourbon Barrel Matured is a single grain Scotch whisky.

• Where is the North British Distillery located?

  The North British Distillery is located in the Lowlands region, just south of Edinburgh, Scotland.

• Who bottles the North British 2009 SV Bourbon Barrel Matured whisky?

  The whisky is bottled by Signatory Vintage.

• Why is this bottle considered a rare find?

  This 14-year-old North British whisky is rarely seen on the market as it is typically used in popular blends. Its availability as a single grain whisky makes it a valuable addition for enthusiasts and collectors.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: vanilla, honey, candied citrus, light fruit
• Taste: sweet, spicy, caramelized sugar, ripe stone fruit, oak
• Finish: long, warming, sweet, dry notes, spice
• Overall: A well-balanced whisky that starts with a pleasant sweetness and vanilla notes, moves through a harmony of sweet and spicy flavors, and concludes with a long, warming finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Reviewer's opinion

The North British 2009 SV Bourbon Barrel Matured 14-year-old single grain Scotch whisky stands as a testament to North British Distillery's dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Bottled by Signatory Vintage, this expression offers a delightful experience with its harmonious balance of sweetness, spice, and subtle fruit notes. Its rarity and exceptional value make it a must-have for any whisky enthusiast or collector.