Braes of Glenlivet 1989 / 20 Year Old

Nose: Starts on a blend of slightly wild farmy notes with some creamy café latte and vanilla crème. A little less coconut than when I first tried it but it’s still got something of an old single grain. Also a little chicken bouillon.

With water: The farminess gets a tad bigger, as usual. That won’t change. Some mint as well.

Mouth (neat): We aren’t that far from the 1996, and this one isn’t even any bigger despite the much higher ABV. But it’s very creamy, sweet, with the same kinds of aromas – maybe a little more pineapple. To be honest, I may well have thought this one was younger, had I tried both blind. Good stuff anyway.

With water: Excellently fruity and candied. Very ripe gooseberries and strawberries.

Finish: Rather long, clean and just as fruity. And once again, a little salt plays with your lips…

Comments: Simply very good. Ultra-clean, very fruity Speysider with no signs of age. Just a tiny-wee tad more complex than the 1986. In other words, one more point. SGP:451 - 85 points.