Convalmore Rare Malts Selection 24 Years Old 1978

Convalmore from the distillery's own stock, a 24 year old, from 1978, at 59.4%. Convalmore, founded in 1894 and named for the Conval Hills, closed in 1985. It closed in 1985 in the whisky slump, and the stills were later removed.

The spirit was run through the distillery's pot stills at Dufftown, to build a robust, fruity Speyside character. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, the oak quiet behind the robust malt. In the oxidative, evaporative years concentration brings dried fruit and honey over a deep, waxy malt. The firm, fruity spirit takes cask flavour well while keeping its waxy, malty core. Only a couple of official bottlings exist, from Diageo's Rare Malts and Special Releases. It was built in 1894 by the Convalmore-Glenlivet Distillery Company, the fourth of Dufftown's famous seven stills. It passed to DCL and Scottish Malt Distillers in the 1920s and was modernised, gaining steam heating and four stills. No new spirit has followed it since the stills fell quiet in 1985.

At a full 59.4% it is bold yet fruity. Malt, dried fruit and a sweet spice, with a soft vanilla from the oak. The texture is firm and oily, the fruit lifted by a waxy malt. The finish is long, waxy and fruity. This is Convalmore's firm, fruity Speyside style.