Strathclyde 31 Years Old 1990 Cask #6429029 (Duncan Taylor)

Duncan Taylor selected this Strathclyde, a 31 year old release from 1990, drawn from cask 6429029 and bottled at 44.8%. The outturn was 84 bottles. Set by the Clyde in the Gorbals, Strathclyde has made grain whisky since 1927. 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. Past twenty five years the spirit turns oily and dessert sweet while staying clean. The cool Lowland climate gives a slow, even maturation over many years. 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. Aged single grain has become prized for its soft, oily, dessert sweet character.

At a natural 44.8% it is full and oily. The ex-Bourbon gives vanilla, cream and a dessert sweetness. The texture is oily and buttery, the sweetness coating. A warming, sweet finish lingers. This is a clean, oily single grain of real age.