Pittyvaich 20yo (Special Release 2009)
Many a closed distillery has gone on to legendary status, most notably Brora, Port Ellen and also Karuizawa. Then there’s also another set of closed distilleries, who are maybe not as well-known, but have certainly produced some legendary whisky. Think St. Magdalene, Lochside, Glenugie and Convalmore, just to name a few.
And then we have Pittyvaich. Closed? Yes. Legendary? Not even. Founded in 1975, closed in 1993 and demolished in 2002. That is an exceptional short lifespan for a distillery. It was built to provide simple, standard whisky for the Bell’s blend. Not exactly the stuff of legends. You won’t find too many independent bottlings (the last one is a G&M from 2012). And there are almost no official releases: a 12yo Flora & Fauna and a 20yo that was part of Diageo’s Special Releases back in 2009. Today we review the latter.
Pittyvaich 20yo (57,5%, OB, 6000 bts.)
Nose: Very malty and dusty. This needs time. Some wood shavings. Slightly grassy, mainly straw and hay. Some ginger, lemon and apple. And a hint of cookie dough.
Taste: Sharp and peppery (chili), followed by grapefruit, vanilla and some lemon zest. A speck of coffee.
Finish: Drying and oaky. Malt. Lemon.
Rating: 83
Like I said earlier, not the stuff of legends. There are some interesting aroma’s and flavours. But it’s too immature, hard too believe this has aged for 20 years.
On sale in Denmark (Coop) a few years back – less than 50 €.
Did’nt buy