Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Grivan 1989 (27 year old) 47.5%
Bourbon Barrel 37527/ Dist: Apr 1989 Btl: Feb 2017/ Tasted: Mar 2017
A high toned but deep nose of slightly smoky dried fruit. There is a slight alcohol prickle which is emphasising the lime notes. It becomes quite nutty as the charred oak begins to assert itself, showing a slight desiccated coconut note. Pleasantly deep and quite elegant.
The palate is a little fuller and oilier than the nose with plenty of robust (by Girvan standards) dried fruit – sultana, apricot and dried grape. The oak comes through with a light coconutty/ marzipan character and some subtle spice notes. Lovely length and intensity with a touch of lime and elderflower in the finish and the toasty oak lingering pleasantly.
A drop of water makes the nose heavier and oilier with less dried fruit and a little more oak – warm almond and hazelnut notes. The palate on the other hand is fresher and grainier with less of the nutty oak and more emphasis on the white chocolate coated dried white fruit and spice.
Carn Mor Celebration of the Cask Girvan 1989 (27 year old) 51.4%
Bourbon Barrel 67863/ Dist: Dec 1989 Btl: Oct 2017/ Tasted: Dec 2017
A big hit of coconutty and vanilla oak. Hints of sultana, dried apricot, nuts and a sliver of honey. The aromas have a lovely depth and roundness. With time hints of darker, rummy fruit and wood spice appears.
The palate is full and richly oaked – vanilla, dry toffee and a touch of dark chocolaty tannins and wood spice. Lovely balancing notes of dried grainy fruit, which lingers through to the finish along with the spices.
Whisky According to Chris Whiskyman 