The Girvan Patent Still Grain 25 year old Launch Edition 42%
Tasted: Feb 2016
Nose: Fresh, high toned and relatively young (in grain terms) there’s some nascent dried fruit and plenty of herbal/ grassy notes. With time some lightly estery banana and pineapple appear along with some creamy oak.
Palate: Fuller and weightier with the dried fruit showing a more oilier character and a light rum-like demeanor. The alcohol gives it a good piquancy.
Finish: Medium length with quite a youthful, grainy finish.
Conclusion: A pleasant if not earth shattering grain.
The Girvan Patent Still Grain No Age Statement Proof Strength 57.1%
Tasted: Feb 2016
Nose: Stunning depth of Cognac-esque dried fruit, liquid honey, apricot, nuts and moist fruitcake. The oak is dusty and mature and overall the balance is superb. A drop of water brings out some lovely fruity esters and an almost rye-like note.
Palate: Given the abv it is remarkably soft. A little crisper than the nose but still full of mature dried fruit. Possibly there is some sherry at work here as a subtle raisinated/ pruney character comes through along with a smidge of dark honey. With water the palate shows its age with the fruit disappearing to be replaced by an over straw-like character.
Finish: Long with lingering, slightly earthy, dried fruit.
Conclusion: It comes across as a lovely middle aged grain, possibly somewhere in the region of 35 years? Best drunk neat though.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 