Description
A 49 year old Banff whisky. Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail as part of their Rare Old series. Distilled in 1966, it was then aged in a cask number RO/15/03, before being bottled in 28 January 2015. A run of just 362 bottles.
Although the Banff distillery had dealt with fires and explosions in the past, a particularly bad fire damaged or destroyed much of the distillery apart from the warehouse on 9 May 1877. By October of the same year, the owner had rebuilt the distillery and restored operation. On 16 August 1941, a Nazi Junkers Ju 88 attacked the Banff distillery and destroyed warehouse No. 12. Many whisky casks burned and a great deal of stock was lost. Farmers reported that the whisky had run into nearby water supplies and intoxicated the local animal population. After World War II ended, renovation on the Banff distillery began with the intent of restoring it to operation. While one of the stills was being repaired by a coppersmith on 3 October 1959, vapors inside were ignited and caused an explosion that destroyed the still and damaged part of the distillery. When renovation was finally complete, the distillery returned to operating status and continued to produce whisky until it was finally mothballed in 1983. By the late 1980s, most of the distillery’s buildings had been dismantled or demolished. The last warehouse was destroyed in a fire on 11 April 1991.
Colour: Amber.
Nose:
Sweet Sherry influences, stewed apple and fig aromas complemented by zesty orange notes. A delicate herbal edge mingles with hints of fresh sea air.
Taste:
Initially cracked black pepper tingles on the tongue, this is followed by prune, grapefruit and red apple flavours.
Finish:
Medium length, apricot, sweet grass, banana chips, malt, hops.
