19/02/2021 Sandy Macnab

Sandy Macnab’s Old Blended Scotch 5yo (40%, Macnab Distilleries, b.1980s): a blend associated with Joseph Hobbs's ventures. This should be full of Lochside. Nose: it is not very loquacious, initially. At a push, it does show its youth, with ether or white alcohol (as in: 'unaged'; not 'white spirit,' the paint remover), yet also transparent wood varnish, carbonyl, and such. Further on, one detects balsa-wood shavings and a jute bag full of dried shallots. Then, even later, something more elegant, reminiscent of patina-covered wood panels in an old countryside holiday home -- 'countryside,' because it has a certain earthiness to it too. Warming and shaking the glass brings shy fruit to the fore (canary-melon slices, physalis, yellow kiwi), as well as roasted pine cones. Timid, dry white wine prevails, however. The nose is obviously trying to present tropical fruits (lychee, dragon fruit, maracuja), yet they never really make it trough. Mouth: ample, silky and oily, velvety, even, it has nutty flavours on the tongue (walnuts, peanuts, nothing too exotic), and cured or wine-soaked fruits (apricots, peaches, poached pears) and subtle cured-ginger slices, mingling with the nuts. Next to that are vaguely-greener nuances on the walls of the mouth, such as hass-avocado skins. White Port, maybe, though that would seem a tad too sweet; Fino sherry, perhaps? It feels thick, not extravagantly sweet. Finish: Stewed apricots, peaches in (red) wine, poached pears, walnuts (skin on), almonds, and simply goodness. It leaves the mouth covered in velvet, wanting for more. Warm-fruit custard with a pinch of ground avocado stone, sprinkled with a teaspoon of avocado oil. No avocado flesh, on the other hand. The finish is medium long and comforting, warming, even. Aside a minor bitterness (the ground avocado stone), this is excellent sipping whisky. 7/10 (Thanks for the dram, JS)