Stoic Drinker’s Notes
2014-12-03 | Very Good

Single Speyside Malt Chieftain's Choice 1973 20yo

Single Speyside Malt Chieftain's Choice 1973 20yo 50%
Bottle #蒸留所不明
Very good, but which distillery is this from in Speyside? Single Speyside Malt Chieftain's Choice 1973 20yo 50% The aroma has a good old-aged character with ripe fruits like peaches, pears, and oranges, along with a soft cereal note, cream, and hints of old peat from the background. On the palate, it starts with a soft mouthfeel that gradually builds up with a fruity intensity, featuring a concentrated texture with some chewiness. The barley's umami flavors deeply penetrate the palate, leaving a pleasant fruity finish with lingering old peat notes. 【Very Good】 This Chieftain's Choice Single Speyside Malt was distilled in 1973 and aged for 20 years. This series differs from the Chieftain's Choice bottlings by Ian Macleod Distillers, and while there are other variations in the range, no distillery information is provided. This bottle has sparked rumors suggesting it might be Craigellachie, but the actual distillery remains unknown. The most important aspect is the exceptional quality. It has a balanced old-aged character with a diverse array of fruity notes that evoke juice-like freshness, while the cereal flavors are clearly defined. Hints of old peat linger in the background. At 50% ABV, the higher strength contributes to a robust body and a concentrated texture with a satisfying chewiness. The barley's umami flavors seem to penetrate deeply into the palate, and the old peat notes remain in the finish. Despite the 1973 vintage, it evokes the character of a slightly older malt, suggesting the distillation might date back further. The water content and bottling timing appear to be perfectly balanced, making this an exceptional bottle.