Strathclyde 30 Years Old 1994 Release 07 (Tri Carragh Whisky)

This is a Strathclyde single grain, chosen and bottled by Tri Carragh Whisky, a 30 year old release from 1994 and bottled at 44.2%. A release of 204 bottles. Set in the heart of Glasgow, Strathclyde has made grain whisky since 1927. Single grain releases are rare; this comes from an independent bottler rather than the distillery.

Distilled in column stills for a light, clean grain spirit, building the light Glasgow grain style. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla and crème brûlée. At this age it is rich and waxy, the sweet grain folded into a buttery, oily body. Continuous column distillation gives a light, clean spirit, so the cask drives much of the flavour. The distillery sits in the Gorbals on the south bank of the Clyde. It is now part of the Chivas Brothers stable, working quietly in the city. Glasgow once held distilleries across the city; today only Strathclyde remains.

At a full 44.2% it is intense yet sweet. The ex-Bourbon gives sweet vanilla and a buttery coconut. Soft toffee and vanilla sit behind the sweetness. The close is soft, dessert sweet over oak. This is an aged single grain from a Glasgow distillery.