Kinclaith 1969 Signatory Tasting Notes and Ratings.

Kinclaith 1969 Signatory

Added on Wednesday, Apr 1, 2009 at 12:09 AM

Bottler:

Signatory

Age:	35 yrs	Type:	Scotch
Vintage:	1969	Subtype:	Single Malt
ABV:	51.30 %	Region:	Lowland
Price:	$1600	Availability:	Specialty Stores

Kinclaith only existed from 1957 until 1975, and actually was built within the Strathclyde grain distillery. Nearly all of Kinclaith's whisky went to the blenders. There were never any official bottlings.

Distilled 28/05/1969 Bottled 05/04/2005 Hogshead Cask no. 301446 219 bottles

Member Ratings and Notes

Adam

Well, let's cut to the chase: you ain't missing anything. This bottle is really about rarity and, if you're inclined to buy it for non-collecting purposes, a notch to put in your belt. The nose is light, with some anise, mixed grains, and grassy/hay aspects. The palate... well, the first thing I wrote was "rather plain." In fact, it's somewhat tasteless for a scotch. I'd almost compare it to a very oaked and quite dry Irish whiskey (that is, a "plain" tasting Irish whiskey). The flavors that are here mainly emerge in the finish, with oatmeal and white bread, along with a significant oak component. The drinkability factor isn't that big here, and 35 years in the cask don't seem to have added any mellowing qualities to the 51.3% ABV. Water improves drinkability, and brings out vague floral notes. I think I understand why this distillery, in its short life, was all about the blenders... it honestly seems like a "filler" whisky. Maybe the years stripped away too much flavor, but my guess is that there may not have been a whole lot to begin with. So... yeah... there's nothing special about the actual flavor, and it's uninterestingly "fine." I'd give it slightly lower grade, except the fun of knowing what you're drinking really does add to the experience, so I'm making a rare exception and saying that counts.

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