North British distillery (near Edinburgh) is one of the largest Scotch grain producers. They were founded in 1885 and their spirit is used in blends like The Famous Grouse, J&B, Johnnie Walker, Cutty Sark, you name it… Occasionally casks are bottled as single grain whisky.

This 48 years old 1965 release is a joint bottling of The Whisky Agency with Komplex Whisky in Sweden.

North British 48 yo 1962 (47,9%, The Whisky Agency ‘Perfect Dram’ 2010, bourbon hogshead,
146 btl.)

Nose: grains and ripe banana with a lot of coconut and vanilla but some earthy notes as well. A little glue. Close to other single grains, but quite smooth and balanced. This one adds a little wax, leather and some icing sugar. Cinnamon. A faint hint of Nivea cream as well, maybe. Mouth: starts fairly gentle but picks up strength. Corn and vanilla with a certain grassy spiciness. Coconut milk and nougat. Banana milkshake. A little kirsch. Finish: medium length, sweet, with a nice caramelized banana aroma.

This is exemplary grain whisky. Downside: it doesn’t show the same complexity as old malt whisky. Upside: not at all tired, plenty of punch and much cheaper than malt whisky. Around € 140.

Score: 88/100