I’ve had a sample of this Speyside Region 1973 47 Years for The Whisky Agency for some time but am only now getting around to reviewing it. And boy, it’s been a while since I’ve had one of these ancient undisclosed Speysiders in my glass. Too long almost, but I think the well might have dried up? This could well be the most recent Speyside Region 1973 (and it’s from 2020).
Lucky as I am, I’ve had quite a few in my glass and have reviewed some of them on here as well. Many of them mentioned maturation in ex-Fino sherry casks, but that’s not the case here. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t. It might also simply mean that The Whisky Agency didn’t know the previous contents of the hogshead their Speyside Region 1973 47 Years matured in.
Whether or not it was an ex-Fino sherry cask, I expect a similar organoleptic experience than before. Except maybe the four years of extra maturation could’ve had an impact. Earlier iterations were already on the tannic side, so we’ve got to tread carefully here.
Speyside Region 1973 47 Years (45%, The Whisky Agency, 2020)
Nose: Some nice mineral, petrichor notes with a slight touch of chalk, but also beeswax and honey with citrus zest and grapefruit, followed by apricots and dried peaches. Finally some furniture polish to round things off.
Taste: Oily, almost waxy mouthfeel and a very fruity arrival. Passion fruit, grapefruit, pear, but also zesty oranges. Soft spices (cardamom) and wood tannins with a hint of green tea.
Finish: Some lingering oaky bitterness, but also honey and citrus.
Photo: Whiskybase