Signatory Vintage North British 31 Year Old

£141.29 / $148* / c$201* / €136*

1991 vintage single Oloroso sherry butt bottle for the Cask Strength Collection. North British 31 Year Old 1991 vintage Lowland single grain Scotch whisky. Refill Oloroso sherry butt #272163 bottled October 2023 by Signatory Vintage for the Cask Strength Collection. 560 numbered bottles.

North British Distillery was established on farmland to the west of Edinburgh in 1885 by Andrew Usher, John M. Crabbie and William Sanderson. Since then the city has expanded ever outwards and now the distillery resides in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh. North British opened in 1887 to guarantee supplies of grain whisky for its owner’s cordials and scotch whisky blending businesses. It is equipped with four Coffey stills to produce grain spirit at 94.5% alcohol and multi-million litres of spirit annually. Whilst most of its whisky matures in racked warehouses in the central Lowlands, a small number of casks spend at least eight years at the distillery in dunnage Warehouse No.1. Official releases are very few but excellent independent ones are available from Hart Brothers and Hunter Laing.

Tasting Notes from TWB.

Nose: The olfactory profile of this 31-year-old whisky presents a harmonious fusion of aromas. Initial impressions reveal robust notes of seasoned oak intertwined with delicate nuances of vanilla and caramel. Aromatic spices, notably cinnamon and nutmeg, impart depth, while the presence of dried fruits, such as figs and dates, contributes to a layered sensory experience. Subtle undertones of tropical fruits, including pineapple and mango, add a touch of exotic allure.

Palate: On the palate, this whisky exhibits a lusciously smooth texture, indicative of its considerable age. Rich oak flavors dominate, complemented by a pronounced sweetness reminiscent of honey and toffee. Dark chocolate undertones, accompanied by hints of freshly brewed espresso, provide depth and complexity. Orchard fruits, notably apples and pears, lend a refreshing fruitiness, while warm baking spices, including cloves and a hint of pepper, add a subtle yet invigorating warmth.

Finish: The finish is prolonged and satisfying, characterized by a lingering warmth that gracefully recedes. Oak influences persist, offering notes of leather and tobacco, which contribute to a refined and contemplative denouement. A delicate balance between residual sweetness and a subtle bitterness ensures a harmonious conclusion, while lingering spicy notes, underscored by a hint of citrus zest, provide a tantalizing finale.