Home Tasting: Invergordon 1966-2012 Dua Rattray #5

I've had a fondness for long-matured grain whiskies, but this was my first purchase in quite some time. Invergordon 1966-2012 46yo A.D.RATTRAY #5 51.9% (one of 228 bottles, Bourbon Hogshead) ・Aroma: The aroma is strong with pronounced vanilla and oak, coconut, solvents like wax or semedain, orange marmalade, apricot jam, sweet honey and caramelized nuts, cinnamon, ginger, oil, and a grainy quality reminiscent of coarse grains. ・Flavor: The mouthfeel is gentle, with the same strong vanilla and oak notes as the aroma. There's a subtle sweetness of orange marmalade, apricot jam, and honey, along with coconut, a grainy texture like coarse-grain bread, oil, cream, and a faint viscosity. The oak tannins from oversteeped tea provide a tightening sensation, yet it's surprisingly not harsh. It also carries a rich, gradual spiciness. ・Aftertaste: The strong notes of orange, vanilla, and coconut oil linger for a long time. It's smooth without any lingering bitterness. ・With Water: The aroma becomes more subdued, emphasizing the grainy qualities, but the flavor remains largely intact. ・Overall Impression: In short, it's a refined and complex bourbon without any off-putting qualities. I also detected a grainy, oily character reminiscent of Irish whiskey. Despite its long aging and strong oak presence, the bitterness and tannins are within acceptable limits and don't overwhelm. The smooth transition from the mid-palate to the finish was unexpectedly pleasant, making it a pleasure to drink. Despite its strong flavor, the body is medium-weight, which feels typical for grain whisky. There's no noticeable burnt or over-ripe character, suggesting it was aged in later casks. It must be a special cask since it carries such strong cask character without harsh bitterness or astringency. I wonder if this is due to the cask itself or the original spirit... 【Good/Very Good】 Dua Rattray's Invergordon 1966, 46-year-old bourbon cask. This is a single cask from a bourbon hogshead. These long-aged grain whiskies are clearly different from malt whisky, and I sometimes crave them; at home, there's always one open. It feels more like bourbon than Scotch, yet it has an Irish-like grainy quality. I occasionally consider it as a blind tasting option, but have never actually encountered one. That said, this time I opened it and even challenged my friends to identify it (laughs). While I'm not an expert on bourbon, compared to typical bourbons, this shares similarities in solvent-like notes and woody characteristics but feels deeper and richer without the usual perfume or chemical qualities. Additionally, despite its long aging and strong flavor profile, it's remarkably smooth without harsh bitterness or astringency. It has a refined aroma that feels somewhat sophisticated. Of course, it's completely different in aging time and price from typical bourbons, so they aren't on the same playing field. However, within its category, I think this would be enjoyable even for malt whisky enthusiasts.