North British 1962 / 50 Year Old / Cask #8228

Nose: Almost a hint of sulphur - a slightly struck- match meatiness. That's at the back though, hidden by sweet grapes, sultanas, vanilla, a light almond nuttiness, hints of marzipan, brown sugar, green wood and polished wooden boards.

Palate: Lighter than the nose suggests with a balanced dryness, some old wood sourness, sugary sweetness, freshly seasoned cedar cigar boxes, some vegetal notes, dark liquorice and lingering spice.

Finish: Freshly cut boards, rich dry fruit, cloves and woody spice.

Comment: This tastes old but holds that age well - lots of wood, but it's all good. There's a bit of a sawdusty hint from time to time, but in the main it's rich fruit and polished boards. It also hides its strength - at 57.1% you'd expect a kick, but it never comes. An impressive old dram, although dominated by wood.