Rare Malts North Port 19 Years Old

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 5 by Michael Jackson and Jim Murray.

Whisky Magazine is the perfect complement to the dram in your glass. Every issue brings you fascinating articles on the art, science and romance of the 'water of life', plus page after page of tasting notes.

• Issue 5 online • Buy issue 5 (£5.95)
• Subscribe to Whisky Magazine (from £28.38)
• Preview current issue (73) • Preview other issues online

Tasting Notes

Michael Jackson Nose Dry, lightly smoky, grassy. Dry fruitiness. Palate Light. Leafy. Dried apricot. Dried banana. Toasted marshmallow Finish Dry, spirity, sharp. Cedary. Comment Some malts are deservedly rare, but full marks to United for at least giving us the chance to taste them.

Jim Murray Nose Soft and finely balanced; almonds and mint and freshly cut grass. Palate Hot with a short, unbalanced burst of burnt barley and OTT oak; for an ungainly ride. Finish Lots of age; some cocoa notes. Toasty and dry. Lingers quite well. Comment The weaknesses which made North Port one of the poorer distilleries come to the fore at first. Completely loses direction and balance for a while but recovers in the finish thanks to some calming oak influence. The nose is very impressive though.