St. Magdalene 34 Years Old 1975 Rare Old (G&M)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this St. Magdalene matured to 34 year old from 1975 and bottled at 43%. The lost Lowland distillery St. Magdalene, established in the mid 18th century on the site of a former convent, was shut by DCL in 1983. Originally the Linlithgow distillery, it took the name St Magdalene from a convent that once stood on the site.

It was drawn off coal fired stills fed by an on site artesian well, for a waxy, grassy spirit with sharp white fruit. An Oloroso butt held it, sherry meeting the grassy Lowland spirit. At this great age the malt is full and waxy, the fruit deep and the spirit settled. The distinctive spirit ages gracefully, gaining depth without losing its individuality. Its oily, grassy character set it apart from the lighter, more floral Lowland malts. The distillery is bottled under both its names, St Magdalene and Linlithgow.

Bottled at 43%, it is rounded. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a gentle vanilla from the wood runs under apple, hay and a faint wisp of smoke. A beeswax and a sharp white fruit give it real depth. A gently oily finish lingers warm. This is prized closed era stock from a true individual of Scotch.