A Spectacular, Hidden-Gem Collector’s Item in Aged Whisky
1991 North British 30 Year Old “Old Particular” K&L Exclusive Single Bourbon Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Scotch Whisky
(750ml) (Pre-Arrival) ($149.99)
“It’s hard to argue with 30 years of patient aging for $150.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer
Grain whisky doesn’t carry the same caché among Scotch enthusiasts that single malt does, but in the right hands, it can present something altogether unique at a price that would make anyone grin. The most recent specimen from North British is a master class in superbly aged grain. Distilled in 1991, it’s a showcase of the indisputably great results you can find when you know where to look. As spirits buyer Andrew Whiteley explains, “the fact is when you give column-distilled whisky decades to mature in quality, first-fill casks and a Scottish aging environment, you get epic drinking of a whole different breed.” Intensely fruit-driven and easy-going, this cask is a transparently lovely dram that’s ready to impress from the very first sip. Our team was immediately taken by the profoundly luxurious profile—as David Othenin-Girard declared, “when we tasted this North British, we knew we’d have it regardless of the price.” As it so happens, the price is perhaps the most compelling feature of this under-the-radar gem. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another single-cask spirit with 30 years of age on it for a mere $150, and we suggest collectors and connoisseurs take full advantage while they can.
K&L Notes:Once a bastion of ridiculous value, the single grain market has seemingly jumped the shark over the past couple of vintages. Supplies are tight and prices are high, but occasionally we come across casks that still far outpace their price point in terms of quality. This 30-year-old North British is exactly that. One of the more complex grains we’ve had in some time, it was aged for three decades in a fresh bourbon barrel, which likely accounts for the exceptional quality. The North British distillery was established in 1885 not far from Edinburgh Castle. Now controlled as a joint venture between Diageo and Edrington, it can produce upwards of 65 million liters of pure alcohol per year from mostly corn. The exceptional size of this distillery does not preclude it from making high-quality grain, and while most of the production is used in Famous Grouse and Johnnie Walker, we occasionally get access to products of high-quality at reasonable prices. The key, it would seem, to producing high-quality grain is using high-quality wood and allowing long maturation. This is exactly what we’ve got here. A gorgeous, creamy, and very approachable old grain for a very solid price.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: October 13, 2021
Fall in love with grain whisky all over again. The category is lost on so many drinkers because it’s not considered in its own right. It’s so often compared to single malt or to bourbon, but the fact is when you give column-distilled whisky decades to mature in quality, first-fill casks and a Scottish aging environment, you get epic drinking of a whole different breed. And often at a great price to boot (if you’re picky). What we have here is both bright and decadent. It’s got gobs and gobs of fruit ranging from tropical papaya, coconut, kiwi to fresh citrus zest and Meyer lemon flesh. A rich palate weight tickles the taste buds with a very subtle oak spice, just a whisper of cracked pepper and rye grass but loads of vanilla and cream. It’s hard to argue with 30 years of patient aging for $150.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Spirits Buyer | Review Date: September 10, 2021
While the days of $250 dollar 50 year old grains seems to be long passed, there’s still some chances to find excellent values in this still underappreciated category. We’ve avoided most grains recently not only because the prices are high but because we’re damned picky. They need to offer something more than just value and while I don’t like to look at them as Single Malt light, there’s no reason to spend $100 on a relatively neutral 18 year old grain when there’s plenty of delicious 12-18 year old malt for the same price. But when we tasted this North British, we knew we’d have it regardless of the price. Ultimately this turned out to be a relatively good value considering the market place, but once you taste it, we think you’ll be back for more. The color is pale gold. The nose is a lovely mixture of lemon curds, bright zesty white flowers, tense green fruits (kiwi, greengage, lime), subtle aromas of sandalwood and jute. On the palate, an absolute bucket of yellow and green fruits, with some bits of vanilla extract. No need to add water here. It’s lovely just the way it is.
