Grain Whisky

[JimHall]

I have just bought a IB bottle of Grain Whisky (Carsebridge 25). I don't intend to open it becasue it has a sentimental meaning to me and is quite rare.
It made me start to think that I have never actually had a grain whisky (not that I know of anyway).
I do enjoy blends but unlike some I don't have the ability to identify the grain from the malt in each blend.
the questions are this.
(1) Can grains be quiality in terms of flavour?
(2) If it is not in The Whisky Bible where might i get tasting notes?

[Tom]

Hello Jim,
1) Deffinatly yes! Grain (but more specific single grain) can be very very good. I only tried 2 so far, Invergordon 36Y old and Greenore 8Y old. Both were remarkeble and specially the Invergordon is marvellous, i spend more time nosing it then drinking, the aromas are superb. Also had some 'vatted-blended-whateveryoucallitnow grain, although they are good too i find single grain to be more to my liking, they are a tad bit more robust.
as for your second question, i dont know, sorry, i often ask the sellers for their opinions and often they give me a sample before i buy.

[robs42]

Old grain whisky from a good cask can be really superb, usually with a fair meatiness too them. You've picked out a really good one with that Carsebridge (I assume it's the recent Duncan Taylor bottling) - it has a rich oakiness and velvety quality to it, fruity (raisins) and dry. I didn't take notes, but here's notes from Whiskyfun:

Very waxy, on vanilla, rum, raisins and burnt cake. Not extremely complex but very satisfying and totally flawless. Hints of fructose, fresh pineapple that add some extra-balance to it. Superb!

It's a shame you don't intend to open it, but I guess at over £70 you're not going to buy two.

[JimHall]

My house is situated within the old distillery which is still owned by Diageo but was closed 1983 and dismantled 1988. I grew up next to it as well so that is where the sentiment comes in. Great to hear that you consider it a good choice though. Who knows I might just have to open it for a special occassion one of these days. You were right about the Duncan Taylor bottling although the cheiftain 42YO is probably a better whisky and the bottle looks good I simply could not justify the cost.

[Deactivated Member]

You could get a miniature of Carsebridge if you want to taste it:

http://www.singlemaltsdirect.com/acatal ... 32901.html

[JimHall]

Thanks for that Nick hadn't actually considered that....... normally don't like minis but that is a great idea in this case.

[Deactivated Member]

I tried a Carsebridge Rarest of the Rare at Whiskyfringe and was very impressed. It was a little bourbonny with sweetish vanilla notes, but then exploded into dried fruit and coconuts. Absolutely fantastic - don't bother with a miniature, get a second full bottle for drinking.

[JimHall]

I tried a Carsebridge Rarest of the Rare at Whiskyfringe and was very impressed. It was a little bourbonny with sweetish vanilla notes, but then exploded into dried fruit and coconuts. Absolutely fantastic - don't bother with a miniature, get a second full bottle for drinking.

Thanks for that Nick.... i might need to work on the wife to convince her that I need a second bottle.

[BruceCrichton]

(1) Can grains be quiality in terms of flavour?

Cameron Brig is excellent and I've had some good indie bottlings of Invergordon and North British.

(2) If it is not in The Whisky Bible where might i get tasting notes?

Try Jim Murray's 'Classic Blended Scotch'.