I’ve been in New Delhi, India all week long and will be returning to Israel this weekend. Actually I’ve not had a lot of whisky during my stay in India. Most good Indian malt whisky is not sold locally, and you can mainly get the local blended Indian whisky which can best be described as “ok-ish”. I’ve also been using this time off whisky for detox, and will be continuing dramming on Sunday. This specific whisky was part of a bottle share handled by Ben, and as you know, I have a soft spot for good Grain whiskies, this 26 SC from Cadenhead’s sounded interesting enough to try. Not a lot of detail about this one, other than that it was Matured in a small fresh bourbon cask only 168 bottles, were ever made…
Strathclyde 26 yo grain by Cadenhead’s , 57.9% , £79.95 
Nose: Sweet and rich with acetone ( yes, good acetone – mind you) and hints of vinegar as well as a bowl of cereals with a creamy lemony edge. A lemon tart underneath and a heap of sweet tart dough.
Palate: Initial heat and pepper on entry which gives way to sweet pastries and polished wood on top of nuts covered by chocolate, hints of anise and maybe pine resin.
Finish: Creamy vanilla , getting bitter with cedar wood, Macadamia nuts, and some vanilla curd.
All in all this is a very good grain whisky, but I find that something is lacking , maybe not enough wood, I can not really put my finger on it. It does need time to breath and it does get better after 10 minutes or so in the glass, opening up and water can also do it some good, Not expensive for a 26 year old. Lovers of grain, this is going to be tasty! it does seem to be available in the UK…