The Pittyvaich Distillery was closed in 1993 and the public has rarely seen any of its casks get a chance in the limelight since.
Fortunately, Diageo has provided us with the chance to sample the almost-forgotten delights of Pittyvaich through this 1989-vintage edition. Lots of nutty cereal and almond notes, with mango and lemon tart. Very moreish.
70cl at 49.9% alc./vol.
TASTING NOTES
NOSE
Flowers and nuts off the bat – honeysuckle, rose, hazelnuts and almonds. Sweetness develops, with the almonds gaining a sugary shell, a sprinkling of icing sugar and a balancing squeeze of lemon. Polished tables, with a hint of beeswax, sit behind the sweetness along with sweet white grape juice.
TASTE
Sharp and spicy to start, with little of the nose's sweet and floral character. However, with some time in the glass and a drop of water, the freshly sawn oak and sappy twigs soften to reveal sweet and zesty apples and spice – cinnamon and nutmeg.
FINISH
Spiced apple and its skin, slowly fading to liquorice and black pepper.
