1970s Old Smuggler 3cl

Colour: Amber.

Nose: Radically different to the White Horse. This is far fresher and full of wood resins, sap, ointment, various teas, oils, some old fruitcake, aged cognac, raisins, rancio and roasted chestnuts. I never smelled an old blended whisky like this before. Wonderful complexity on the nose, develops a marvellously leafy, earthy and nervous edge with more dark fruits - think dates, prunes and sultanas - notes of pipe tobacco and old leather. There is some kind of wondrous sherry sloshing about in here no doubt.

Mouth: An old dry sherry like Amontillado mixed with a whole Christmas of nuts, oranges and some bitter chocolate. This is really an unusual old blend. You can feel it’s a blend but there is a big and dominating sherry/wine influence. Notes of aged Pinot Noir, various farmyard aspects and then some very delicate medicinal touches such as lanolin, carbolic and aspirin. Some pencil shavings, herbs and notes of muesli and molasses.

Finish: Long, earthy, slightly salty, drying, nutty and herbaceous. More resounding sherry characteristics. Quite remarkable really.