Strathclyde 28 Years Old 1994 Cask #456524 (The Caskhound)

The Caskhound selected this Strathclyde matured to 28 year old from 1994, drawn from cask 456524 and bottled at 42.3%. Only 187 bottles were released. Strathclyde was opened in 1927 by the gin distiller Seager Evans by the Clyde in the Gorbals; Chivas Brothers run it today. It is now part of the Chivas Brothers stable, quietly working by the Clyde.

The spirit was made in twin Coffey stills, the wash run from wheat, for a clean, sweet grain make of real purity. Ex-Bourbon casks held the spirit, soft oak that drives the grain's sweetness. At this age it is rich and waxy, the sweet grain folded into a buttery, oily body. The cool Lowland climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. 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.

Reduced to 42.3%, it is mellow. The ex-Bourbon gives sweet vanilla and a buttery coconut. The texture is oily and buttery, the sweetness coating. Toffee and vanilla see out a long finish. This is a clean, oily single grain of real age.