Girvan 35 Year Old 1979 Wilson & Morgan

Let me just repeat that the Girvan grain distillery is owned by William Grant & Sons, the family behind Glenfiddich, Balvenie & Kininvie. Did you know that the site in South Ayrshire was a weapons factory during WWII? Anyway, for their typical grain whiskey they use 90% wheat (that’s right, wheat!) and 10% malted barley to get fermentation going. It results in a very typical grain. Today will try a gem from 1979, bottled by Wilson & Morgan, the independent bottler with Italian roots.

Wonderfully perfume-y nose on white chocolate, camphor and pineapple with vanilla and mirabelles. Fresh coconut meat mixed with mint and liquorice. A bit sharp, but it works.

Soft body in which the oak delivers a mild bitterness and spiciness that provides balance in the otherwise pretty sweet character of this grain. Vanilla, coconut, pineapple… this is very summery and fresh. I quite like it.

The finish surprises me in a good way with its length, remains very sweet with a bitterness at the death.

By far the best Girvan I have tried so far. Having said that, it’s only my seventh, so what do I know? Thanks again, Manny!