Duthies Strathmill 19 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Malt whisky lovers should keep an eye out for the new offerings being released by the reputable Cadenhead firm under their 'Duthies' label. Mr Duthie was the nephew of William Cadenhead and ran William Cadenhead Ltd from 1904 until his untimely death in 1931. He was also the person most responsible for building the reputation of Cadenhead's as a bottler of single malts and rum.

This Strathmill 19 year old is the latest addition to the 'Çopper Pot Still' Collection. It also marks only the second representation of this distillery in our portfolio for well over a decade. Strathmill releases are rare - extremely rare. According to one source, "There has been but one official bottling, discounting the two casks released in 1992 to celebrate the distillery’s centenary, and only a small number of independent releases." This, despite that corporate giant Diageo are present owners. Part of the scarcity is no doubt due to the fact that Strathmill remains one of the key components in the J&B blend.

This bottling is non chill filtered with no colouring added.

Tasting note: [Sampled from a near empty bottle in Sept 2014, it seemed that this had lost its fruity edge since our original tasting from a freshly opened bottle. It rated the same.] Pale gold. Some minor particles floating in the glass. Issues light to moderate scents of cocoa and vanilla followed by suggestions of cereals and dilute honey after several minutes exposure. The aroma is moderate at best. Medium dry, concentrated and grainy with a warming, mild spirit surge at the finish becoming more delicate as the spices retreat leaving faint cereals and gently bitter dark chocolate notes in the fade. 46% Alc.Vol.

First tasted March 2014 from a fresh bottle: Pale gold. Orange blossom, grass and stewed fruits. More poached pear and vanilla on the second pass. Hints of citrus zest too. A satin entry leads into a medium weight, fruity, gently spicy profile. Concludes lean, dry and warming with an attractive fruitiness lingering. Think Glen Grant or Dalmore for stylistic comparison. 46% Alc./Vol.