1993 Lady of the Glen North British Single Cask #52734 31 Year Old Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky (700ml)

North British's distillate has a heavier character compared to other grain distilleries. That's due to the use of maize in the mash bill, which is why it's often a viable 'malternative' for single malt drinkers. Fully matured in a well-used refill barrel that was sporadically leaking, this example is a little bit different - a softer though predictable grain profile, nevertheless mature and satisfying, with a structure, depth and length well beyond basic vanillas. At three decades, the requisite sugar/oak balance is in order, the spirit heat subdued with no need for water. It's Bourbonesque, in an elegant, understated Buffalo Trace 45% kind of way. 5ml of water fluffs the mouthfeel, juices up the middle and peaks the sweetness, and, yes, 44.3% is cask strength. At well under $10/year of maturation, the price-performance ratio is high. 113 bottles produced. Non chill filtered.

Notes from the bottlers... flat cola, custard cream and dried pineapple.