Long Loved, But Lost, Ladyburn Distillery In Scotland Gets 41 Year Old Release

Among Scotch collectors few Lowland distilleries are held in the same regard as the long shuttered Ladyburn. It was open only between the years of 1966 and 1975, and few bottlings of what was produced there as standalone single malts exist. William Grant & Sons, which owns what’s left of the few casks of this by now quite old whisky still in existence, recently brought to American shores one such offering in the form of a 41 year old release pricing for around $2,000 a bottle.

The 2014 release of Ladyburn Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 41 Years, bottled at 40% ABV, will mark what’s described as “the first of an exclusive number of releases of unique liquid that has spent the last four decades maturing.” Only 400 bottles in the 750 ml size are being released domestically from what’s said to have been the shortest working distillery in Scottish history. The releases will continue until “the ancient reserves are depleted.”

Tasting notes for this rarest of whiskies are below.

NOSE: A rich and deep aroma with hints of linseed, liquorice and heather. Subtle vanilla oak notes overlay the malty character.

TASTE: Rich and mouth coating with a silky texture. The flavor builds over time revealing stewed fruits, a green leafiness and antique leather.

FINISH: Long lasting and slightly dry.