Strathclyde 2005 SMWS G10.31

This Strathclyde was from the independent bottler Scotch Malt Whisky Society matured to 15 year old from 2005, drawn from cask G10.31 and bottled at 61.4%. Only 137 bottles were released. Strathclyde was established in 1927 in the heart of Glasgow; it has made grain whisky for nearly a century. The malt distillery Kinclaith lived inside its walls from 1957 until 1975.

Distilled in column stills for a light, clean grain spirit, building the light Glasgow grain style. A refill American oak cask held it, building the sweet, oily grain character. Past fifteen years the grain deepens into coconut, toffee and crème brûlée. Grain whisky like this rewards long maturation, the wood adding most of the character. Its grain whisky has long fed blends like Long John, Ballantine's and Chivas Regal. Twin Coffey stills run on wheat, the water drawn from Loch Katrine. The malt distillery Kinclaith lived inside its walls from 1957 until 1975.

Bottled at a cask strength 61.4%, it is rich. The ex-Bourbon gives butterscotch, coconut and cream. A butterscotch and a creamy oak lift it. Crème brûlée and oak draw out the close. This is the light, sweet grain style of Strathclyde.