Glen Mhor 10 Years Old ChMI Finest Old Highland Malt (Charles Mackinlay & Co.)

A Glen Mhor of a 10 year old chosen by Charles Mackinlay and Co, distilled in 1972, bottled at 43%. Glen Mhor was a Highland distillery in Inverness, closed in 1983 and since demolished. Mackinlay and Birnie went on to buy the neighbouring Glen Albyn in 1920.

Distilled in a single pair and a half of stills and cooled in worm tubs, the worm tubs lending a full, oily weight. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the oily spirit. In integration lactones (coconut) and vanillin (vanilla) knit with the malt, the fruit deepening over a waxy, oily weight. Refill oak lets the full, oily Glen Mhor character lead the way. Its make went largely into blends; single malt Glen Mhor is rare and mostly from independents. After closure it was demolished, the site given over to a retail development. It condensed its spirit in worm tubs, the source of its full, oily body. The worm tubs are the key to Glen Mhor's body, holding the heavier, oily notes in the spirit. With Glen Mhor gone, every bottle draws on a finite, dwindling stock.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded. Apple, pear and a waxy oil, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Pear, beeswax and a rich oil fill the middle. The finish is deep, waxy and oily. This is the full, oily ghost of Glen Mhor.