Gordon & Macphail Private Collection Milton 1949 Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Nose: a beautiful blend of waxed papers, leather polish, polished brassware and lightly medicinal minty notes. Old dusty candles, as well as some incense. Old books and chamomile tea. There’s a vague sweetness in the background, something in between dried banana and forest fruit jam. Hints of vanilla, faded nutmeg and marmalade too. Miraculously fresh, although it’s also very smooth and gentle, and most of the sherry seems to have evaporated/evolved with time. ,Mouth: it becomes more oaky now, although the oak is silky and polished in a way that doesn’t stand in the way of the spirit. More waxy notes, with fruity hints of stewed pear and yellow apple, as well as bright citrus top notes. Very subtle hints of Fino. Hints of library dust and walnuts. A little herbal honey. Then a lot of eucalyptus tea, menthol and herbal cream. Whiffs of fragrant smoke in the end. ,Finish: not too long, but quite round, with hints of toffee, marmalade, herbal tea and subtle smoke. Sublime whisky that shows an extraordinary freshness. One of a kind in multiple ways. Score – 93. (whiskynotes.be, Aug. 9, 2022)