Speyside Single Malt 43, 1973-2016, Black King, The Chess, 37/240, 51.4% abv.

This bottle is from the popular The Chess Series by Shinanoya. I believe it was Shinanoyas first series selection and started in 2007. Interestingly and frustratingly, where from Speyside is the distiller? Probably not Glenfarclas.

Nose: up close its honey dipped feet, sweet and sour sauce sauce, but after some time and at a distance it shows so much more sophistication, sweet crayon wax, light white/yellow fruits, grassy, floral. After a good amount of time, its more floral, no real sour notes, like young pineapple.

Palate: very weird, initial palate is extremely sour, very dry, slightly chemical, mid palate has burnt toast, chemicals, old wood, after awhile all the brutality disappears and reveals a more vanilla/toast, coconut, and chocolate bouquet. Becomes more balanced, texture is more noticeable with a smoother feel but more focused flavors. So much more enjoyable. Interestingly, no matter when, the initial taste is always a temporary sharp and sour one.

Finish: long, light, dry, hints of coconut and vanilla, light cinnamon, something in between dark and milk chocolate, but more like a chocolate covered wafer with vanilla around the tongue.

Dry glass: coconut, wax.

Bartender suspects its Glen Grant. Such a weird whisky!!! Has that sweet, sour, salty nose, but on the tongue it is so different. The finish is the most interesting part, so many subtle aspects and I just don't know how to describe them all. A task for Sherlock Holmes or Conan (Japanese anime version) or all the characters in Dune. This one needs a lot of time to open up. Can't say I enjoyed the experience, needs too much time and then it becomes a standard, although notable american oak casker juice. To be honest, if I paid auction prices for this 1973 speysider that is probably Glen Grant, I'd be pissed.

Grade: B

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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