Coleburn 14 Year Old 1983 Signatory

Coleburn is only a stone’s throw away from Longmorn and BenRiach, so in the heart of Speyside not to far from the town of Elgin. It has been closed since 1985. There are no official bottlings (bar a Rare Malts by Diageo in 2000). The 14 Year Old that I will try was bottled by Signatory in 1997. Previously I had only tried one Coleburn so far, also by Signatory.

The nose starts fresh on grasses, citrus fruit, gooseberries and some kiwi. A drop of honey. Some camphor joins in. This is a pleasant nose, but with a twist. I cannot quite pinpoint it, though.

It is a bit scary on the palate, though. Upon arrival I get some grasses and pepper, but then an immediate and unstoppable floral element appears that quickly goes into overdrive towards soap. By the second sip, you are ready to blow bubbles. Yikes!

A medium long, soapy finish ends the ordeal.

Special and pleasant enough nose, but on the palate it goes south. I think Imanuel pushes these bad whiskies on me whenever I visit him (kidding!).

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