The Leith Export Company Single Grain

Nose: Balsa wood, pencil shavings, sandalwood, vanilla, cornflakes. Adding water makes the nose more "grainy" and cereal-like. Palate: The initial taste is reminiscent of pine-tree resin but instead of being bitter, it's surprisingly sweet and creamy. I suppose it's a little toffee-like, but the bright cereal and wood notes keep the sweetness in check. Adding water is not advisable as it brings out bitterness. Finish: Short. Cereal and light wood, sour if diluted. This "Table Whisky" (as Port of Leith calls it) is a single grain sourced from the large North British distillery in Edinburgh and is aged in virgin oak and oloroso sherry casks. The maturation is, however, clearly minimal, and I'd be surprised if this is older than 4 or 5 years. The distillery is making this a positive by emphasizing the crisp, youthful character of the spirit and promoting it as an everyday dram for casual enjoyment. It's acceptable but not something I would suggest except as a curiosity. It's clearly a temporary product to fill the gap until Port of Leith has their own single malt ready, and when that day arrives, I anticipate this whisky will be quietly removed from their lineup. Tasted at the distillery. "Average": 77/100 (2.5 stars)