Strathmill 23 Year Old 1989 Blackadder Raw Cask

Strathmill can be found in Keith, close to better known distilleries Keith and Strathisla. It was built in 1891 and originally named Glenisla-Glenlivet. Since 1975, the distillery is run by Justerine & Brooks, from the well-known blend J&B. Almost all of its production goes into that blend – and Dunhill as well – so for single malt you must turn to the independent bottlers, such as this Blackadder.

The nose is soft and sweet on mostly raisins, those small dried ones that come in a carton box that you put in your kid’s lunchbox. Then some caramel and a hint of brown sugar, the Graeffe. A slice of white bread. Semoule. Hint of pineapple, sprinkled with syrup. Very nice. Adding water put the emphasis on the bread, though.

It is powerful and spicy on the palate, but honeysweet. Next to the raisins, I now get more pineapple and candied peach. The spices include liquorice, pepper and cloves. Adding water makes it fall apart somewhat, so this is no swimmer.

The finish is fairly long, but offers nothing new.

Promising nose, but this malt does not deliver on that promise on the palate nor the finish. Keep water away.

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