King of Queens Distillery King of Queens Blended Scotch Aged 18 years

I received this as a gift from someone who knows I appreciate odd lots and a quality whisky. This is a little of both.

The story is that it is produced only for the duty free market, and though others have said it is made in the Glasgow, the vendor claims it is bottled in the US in Minnesota(?...information I cannot verify)

The distillery is called the King of Queens Distillery Co. and it is said to be made in Bellshill Scotland.

This is a blended scotch and labeled as an 18 yr old...I won't attempt to decipher what percentage of it is 18 yr old scotch. Some things you just have to take on faith and enjoy. Smoothness only starts to happen after 12 yrs in the world of scotch.

I rated this an 80 only because I have had the pleasure or enjoying some outstanding scotches and to rate this too high would be an insult to them. How can do I rate anything against a 25 yr old Port Ellen or a 30 yr old Macallan? This is magnificent compared to the average 12 yr old blend and more complex than many single malts. The price was $52.00 for the 750ml bottle in Washington. At this price it is wonderful.

The nose is sweet, fruity and I detect some aging in a sherry cask. The color is mid-honey color. I would love to know what scotches comprise the blend but like most others I have yet to find any information. Oddly, adding a small drop of water seemed to kill the nose while enhancing the smoke and peat flavors. It is balanced and sweet as opposed to phenolic and salty. The finish is neat and not overly long as it is 40% ABV.

To continue trying to intellectualize on what might be in the blend or wax poetic on tasting notes is an exercise in ego. Not my style. It was enjoyable, not too harsh, as has been noted of the 12 yr old. Always opt for the oldest best quality blend you can afford.