A few months have gone by since we’ve tried new releases by Malts of Scotland, but they’re alive and kicking. Expect a whole bunch of reviews over the next couple of weeks. There’s an Inchgower 1982, Glencadam 1985, Highland Park 1986, Ardmore 1992, Longmorn 1976 etc.

Let’s start with this 30 years old Miltonduff 1980, bottled a few weeks ago but not yet distributed as far as I know. Note that Malts of Scotland releases now come in a box by the way.

Miltonduff 30 yo 1980 (44,7%, Malts of Scotland 2011, bourbon hogshead #12429, 259 btl.)

Nose: pineapple sweets, freshly cut apples, hints of green banana… a nice, creamy fruitiness mixed with sawdust and some floral / grassy notes. A little mint and soft herbs. Honeysuckle. Lovely Speyside style – gets warmer by the minute. Better neat as too much water brings out a slight soapiness. Mouth: again some fresh fruits on a background of grassy notes that make sure it’s not too cloying. Now more pronounced oak. Vanilla. Golden apples. Hints of calvados? Honey. Cinnamon. A few nutty flavours as well. Again better without water. Finish: still fruity but quickly drying on spices and oak.

A Miltonduff with a surprisingly young profile that’s warm and fresh at the same time. It’s a rather unknown distillery that often surprises me with great value for money. Around € 130.

Score: 89/100