Lochside 44yo 1967/2011 (41.5%, Coopers Choice, Butt, C#807, 354 Bts.,)

Lochside is suddenly the new must have single malt (along with Caperdonich) and long closed which only adds to the attraction. A must on any enthusiasts malt mileage. On the nose there is some really very lovely fruity vanilla quickly followed by some dusty malt and light clove (think way back to a dentist’s office but without all the wretched needles and drills; just the distinctive aromas). After some time in the glass some very good sherry notes emerge followed by tinned fruit. The fruit emerges in quite an assertive manner if you have time to wait. The taste is not massive at first but then the flavour (which is delightful) starts to grow and some excellent malt arrives along with a little, little dark unsweetened chocolate as well as the slight dark chocolate bitterness. The tinned fruit also is also present and the hints of clove (and without all the other baggage). Again all very good and very more –ish. The finish shows some black pepper and sweet malt (maybe some sweet green snap peas) and some really, really good malt. Hints of the chocolate and a little oakey dryness but nothing over whelming.

Don’t rush it, give it some time in the glass, its well worth it.

$236 in some markets.

Score 91 points