A subtle, Blended Grain Scotch Whisky from Don Sutcliffe & Willie Phillips. The Carsebridge Distillery ceased operations in 1983 and was completely gone by 1992. How Don & Willie obtained a cask of 30-year-old Carsebridge grain Whisky is a mystery. Yet, they did, and this distinctive grain spirit forms the rich core of The Exceptional Grain. Combined with a cask from the North British Distillery, one from Strathclyde, and another from Loch Lomond, these fine spirits are married and finished in first-fill Sherry casks without any artificial coloring. This latest batch of The Exceptional Grain will have only 1500 bottles available. It begins with notes of berries, cinnamon, and zest; the middle develops notes of vanilla cream truffles, sweet grain, light rancio, and a touch of barrel char; culminating in a long and delicate finish with notes of sweet milk chocolate. January / May / June 2018 / August 2022
Sutcliffe & Son The Exceptional Grain
Whiskey Scotch Scotland No age statement 43% ABV
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About this bottle
The Exceptional is a blended grain whisky composed of spirits from three distinct distilleries and casks. One cask was distilled in 2000 at North British Distillery, another originates from Loch Lomond distillery, and the third is a 30 year old whisky from the now-closed Carsebridge distillery, which ceased operations in 1983. Willie Phillips, formerly of The Macallan, blended these whiskies and finished them in first-fill sherry casks. Production was limited to 1500 bottles.
How it tastes
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Reviews
Showing the most detailed of 9 parsed reviews.
A very interesting scotch, light and sweet, but reminiscent of bourbon rather than a Speyside. Nose: honey, vanilla, and caramel, with some musty notes typical of scotch. Taste: light, sweet honey, some dark fruit, and a bit of orange zest. Finish: silky and sweet, fades rather quickly.
If you enjoy sweet vanilla, this is the whisky for you. I purchased it for $25, which was an absolute bargain. I wouldn't pay the usual $100 price tag, but it is very pleasant. If you tasted it blind and were told it was Compass Box Hedonism, I wouldn't doubt it at all.
The aroma is spicy and somewhat reminiscent of Dalmore, but the taste is like a honey-sweetened Highland Park 12. It's not bad, but it doesn't stand out.
Vanilla is present, with berries being there but subdued. Plenty of vapors. Mildly sweet.
This has an autumnal feel—nutty, with notes of grain, apple, and vanilla.
3 more reviews were collected for this bottle. The longest ones are shown first.
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