I opened this sample on a lazy Friday afternoon and I have to say I didn’t know what to expect, well… except for the fact that 1960s whisky is always interesting so it deserves quite some time to investigate. Oh boy what a surprise. It’s only afterwards that I found out this Lochside 1966 bottled by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society is said to be one of the best Lochsides ever.
Most Lochsides from this era are single blends by the way (the distillery produced both malt and grain whisky) – this is a single malt version.
Lochside 32 yo 1966
(61,2%, SMWS 1998, ref. 92.7, 224 btl.)
Lochside 32 yo 1966Nose: perfect sherry goodness from Ye Olden Days. In order of appearance: mint, Ginjinha, warm sand, cedar oak, chocolate ganache, lovage, cigar box, Amontillado sherry, old furniture, maple syrup, caramel flan, liquorice, Pan de Higo and an overall nuttiness. Huge sherry, but such a deep fruitiness and such elegance! The exotic oak and deep sherry push it in the direction of Karuizawa, while the mint and liquorice add some vermouth character.
Mouth: thick, dry, concentrated, herbal sherry. Blackcurrant, lovage again, caramel toffee, herbal honey, walnuts, black cherries, coffee powder, dark chocolate, spearmint. All kinds of old oak. So intense that it comes close to tarry, medicinal notes. Touches of Fernet-Branca in that respect.
Finish: heavy and looong, dry but not over the top. Plenty of spices.
Complex, stunning stuff. Maybe not typical Lochside, this could have been Strathisla or Macallan or Glenfarclas or Karuizawa, but who cares? Heavy on the oak as well, but I love it. TWE has had it on sale for around € 600.
Score: 95/100
One more birthday dram…