Convalmore 36 Year Old 1977 Diageo Special Releases 2013

The Convalmore distillery, on the outskirts of Dufftown, has been closed since 1985. The warehouses are currently being used by Grants to mature their famous Glenfiddich and Balvenie. Of course, there is not much Convalmore available. But thanks to a good friend, I got the opportunity to taste this drop of liquid history. This Convalmore was distilled in the year that the yours truly as a 7-year-old first watched Star Wars on the silver screen. It appeared, after 36 years of maturation, in the Diageo Special Releases of 2013.

Nicely waxy and fruity on the nose, but remarkably floral and herbal. I have to think about leather and... musk: the animalistic, sensual ingredient in many perfumes. Some walnuts. A bit playful compared to the younger malt from 1984 that I tasted earlier.

On the palate it is a very layered malt. It comes in waves. First the waxy, fruity notes, then some wood, followed by toffee and some menthol, before heading towards yogurt. Really, I'm reminded of Dan'Up with banana and apricot flavor. But on steroids, of course. Make no mistake, this is really great. A lot less old school than expected. This is fresh and lively, despite the long maturation.

The finish is distinguished by the fact that some pepper suddenly appears, which makes it deliver a spicy uppercut. Gently drying on the deathbed.

At least as tasty as the one from 1984, although very different. But this has unfortunately also become completely unaffordable. Count on 1,500 EUR or more.

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