Strathclyde 29 Years Old 1989 (Cadenhead’s)

This is a Strathclyde single grain, chosen and bottled by Cadenhead's, a 29 year old from 1989 and bottled at 54.2%. 168 bottles in all. Strathclyde was built in 1927 in the Gorbals, Glasgow, and it is one of Scotland's largest grain distilleries. Single grain releases are rare; this comes from an independent bottler rather than the distillery.

It was worked through continuous column stills from wheat, for the light, sweet grain spirit the distillery is known for. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla and crème brûlée. Beyond twenty five years the grain grows deep and oily, coconut, butterscotch and crème brûlée over polished oak. Continuous column distillation gives a light, clean spirit, so the cask drives much of the flavour. Single grain releases are rare, almost all of them from independent bottlers. Light grain spirit takes oak readily, so long ageing brings out coconut and toffee.

At a hearty 54.2% it carries real weight. The ex-Bourbon gives crème brûlée, coconut and vanilla. Soft toffee and vanilla sit behind the sweetness. A sweet, coconut led finish lingers. This is an aged single grain from a Glasgow distillery.