Garnheath 43, Old Particular, Specially Selected for K&L Wines, Refill Hogshead Ref - DL11655, 146 bottles, 47.8% abv.

Garnheath, 1964-1986, was an interesting distillery as it was actually part of a large Lowland malt and grain distilling complex. It was part of the Inver House Distillers complex, which used to be Moffat paper mill. This complex housed the Glen Flagler and Killyloch malt distilleries and Garnheath grain distillery. Due to several reasons, parent company Publicker Industries was in financial distress and Inver House was sold to Thai International Beverage Holdings. However by then Garnheath had already ceased real production. I find it sad, yet funny, that Scottish whisky history, like Japanese whisky history, is littered with depressing stories of missed opportunities, mismanagement, lack of foresight (好似韓女唔眼光), and intangible losses.

Nose: intense vanilla, coconut, coconut sunscreen lotion, vanilla ice cream on a cone.

Palate: sweet, vanilla, back palate is like young chocolate and sweetened pineapples, which becomes more toast like after a few sips. Seems very controlled, doesn't let the full wave of grain sweetness come out.

Finish: medium, vanilla, cream pastries.

A lovely single grain from Garnheath, has that standard strong vanilla, chocolate, pineapple, and coconut flavors that is sweetness all over from beginning to end. Wouldn't say it's liquid diabetes, but close. Every time I try a grain whisky, it only re-confirms my fondness for them. Wish it had more diversity though... like sherried Kawasaki... true grain champions.

Grade: B+

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

🇭🇰 🇺🇸(LA, SF) -> 🇯🇵 (京都, 東京) -> 🇰🇷 (서울, 부산)