Paragon Blended Malt (Maltbarn)

Paragon, as in ‘a model of perfection’? We don’t know.

Also, we don’t know what’s inside. Probably a vatting of (possibly underproof) casks from former Edrington distilleries, perhaps mixed with younger whisky, married for a long time. This one was recently bottled by Maltbarn.

Paragon ‘very old’ (51,4%, Maltbarn 2017, sherry cask, blended malt, 204 btl.)

Nose: pleasant sherry, with some prunes and tobacco, berries and grassy notes, cider apples and gentle herbs. Always this combination of brighter, fruitier notes and an accompanying drier component, which in the end gets the upper hand. Almonds, walnuts and blood orange as well.

Mouth: not as thick and full as you would expect from the ABV, but the flavours are in the same ballpark as the nose. Malty start, then some leafs, Seville oranges, green plums and sour tobacco. Marmalade, a little pepper and walnuts. Pleasant hints of tea.

Finish: long but again a little thin, on tobacco and oranges, with grassy touches.

Good value again, and a rare chance to catch a glimpse of very old whisky for an attractive price. Around € 110.

Score: 87/100