Lochside 35 Years Old Douglas Laing Old Malt Cask 1 Of 216 Bottles 50% 1966

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Serge Valentin (85)

This one is a ‘true’ malt from Lochside. Colour: pale gold. Nose: oh, this is very unusual for an old Lochside. Much less of a fruitbomb than most other versions I could taste, more on metal polish, cod oil (really) and paraffin. Somewhat as if somebody had thrown a handful of nails into the cask (or was it heavily patched?) Now, it improves with time, with more waxy notes, shoe polish, cut grass that starts to ferment, even whiffs of wet dog, old leather. Still little fruit, that is, except for hints of banana skins and citrons. Mouth: maybe a little ‘mushy’ at the attack, still not extremely fruity and slightly metallic. Lots of wood, tannins, apple skin… More fruits than on the nose, that is. Very ripe kiwis, bitter oranges. Quick comparison with another 1966 (by Jack Wieber) really makes it sort of weakish and too oaky, but it’s still a very good old dram. Finish: not excessively long, still peppery / woody, gingery, but with nice notes of crystallised orange zests. Slightly disappointing considering its pedigree.