1970s Glen Calder Glenlivet 57% 100 proof 5cl

Glen Calder Blended Scotch Whisky (100 proof, Gordon & Macphail miniature, 1970s)

Colour: Deep gold.

Nose:The grain is sweet and nicely creamy. Things like buttery popcorn and coconut coming through. I also find gorse, some dried yellow flowers, wet tea leaves and some hints of sherry with this rather elegant gingery warmth. In time the sherry and sweeter tones really start to sing beautifully. With water: much grainier and more youthful with cereal sweetness, barley sugar and heather honey.

Mouth: Peppery, spicy, gingery and again with this creamy coconut and buttery popcorn combo on display.. With water: thick, creamy, gingery sherry, olive oil, brown bread and various vegetable stocks and broths.

Finish: Long, peppery, slightly drying, salty, leathery and umami.

Comments: I’d bet anything there has been some pretty top notch G&M sherry casks at play in the mix here. I would call this the epitome of an excellent blend in that you feel both the grain and malt components but they intertwine commendably and with great entertainment. I enjoyed how water elevated the grain on the nose and the malt on the palate.