Schenley Reserve 43% (1970s)

This review is of a mini with a sealed US tax stamp of a type which was discontinued in 1977. Schenley Reserve was apparently distilled in the US at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and is a "blended whiskey", containing 35% "100 month old" straight whiskey and 65% grain neutral spirits

Currently the Schenley brand is located in Canada, where the 40% abv OFC and Golden Wedding expressions are made at the Black Velvet distillery in Lethbridge, Alberta. There are no grain neutral spirits blended into the current Schenley products. No water will be added to this 43% abv Schenley Reserve reviewed whiskey

Nose: pretty strong intensity for whiskey containing 65% grain neutral spirits; spice from both wood and rye grain is very noticeable; there is some natural caramel; there is a nice sweet/dry balance, with a little bitterness and a hint of perfume. This is slightly, but only slightly, industrial/chemical smelling. This nose is much better than I would have guessed

Taste: the flavours, especially the caramel, are stronger and more raucous in the mouth, otherwise the flavours translate from the nose. Once again this is a bit industrial chemical, but only a bit

Finish: rather long; bitter and some sour come on to balance the sweetness

Balance: the elements are a bit rough-hewn, but they balance each other adequately. I have to say that I expected Schenley Reserve to be atrocious, but it is actually quite drinkable. 40% abv would not do this 'blended whiskey' any favours