Rare Ayrshire 1974 37 YO Cask #2604

Rare Ayrshire 1974 37 YO Cask #2604, 52,1 %

Rare Ayrshire 1974 37 YO Cask #2604

This certainly is a rare release. 'Ayrshire' is the alternative name often given to whisky from the closed Lowland distillery Ladyburn. Ladyburn was established in 1966, built on the same site as the huge grain distillery Girvan - both owned by W. Grant & Sons. The intention was to produce single malt to go into the Grant's blended whisky. The distillery would, however, have a very short lifespan. It was closed in 1975 and dismantled in the 1980s.

With only nine years of production, and the last drops produced in 1975, it is not very often you come across a bottle of Ladyburn. We are lucky enough to know a crazy Swede born in 1974, who just happens to collect bottles of whisky distilled in 1974. Tobias was generous enough to share some Rare Ayrshire 1974 37 YO with us recently.

This whisky was released by The Ultimate Whisky Company, from The Netherlands. The whisky was distilled on 1974-05-10, matured in cask #2604 (no further specifics), and bottled on 2011-12-12. The total outturn was 155 bottles.

Nose (23/25): Strawberries and vanilla. There's a mild maltiness here, and a hint of alcohol. Light citrus notes, white pepper and mango.

Taste (22/25): Strawberries, grapes, and nuts. It feels light but is quite rich at the same time; maybe elegant and refined is a better description.

Finish (23/25): Nuts still, but more oily now. Mild oakiness. Strawberry ice cream!

Balance (22/25): Incredibly well-balanced. It all feels so harmonious. My strawberry whisky number one!

Score (90/100)

Thanks, Tobias!

Sláinte! - Thomas