Review by: Raygun

First Coleburn ever and it’s kind of a black box. Coleburn closed in 1985, so that’s the latest this could possibly have been distilled, but can’t find any solid information. If that’s right, this would have been released in 1997 or so. Rested about 10 minutes. 

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Distillery: Coleburn

Bottler: James MacArthur

Region/style: Speyside single malt Scotch

ABV: 43%. 

Age: 12 years. 

Cask type: Unstated, but has to be bourbon.  

Color: Too dark to see

Price: 20€ for 4cl

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Nose: Some farmy funk, a la Springbank. Caramel, butter cookies, lemon curd. Some grapefruit as well. 

Palate: The lemon curd starts off. Has a little peat I think, in a diesel kind of way. Heathery floral flavor and some bread. 

Finish: The finish sticks nicely. Has that hint of diesel. Floral and lemony, like a lemon tart. Definitely grapefruit.   

Conclusion: Pleasant. Not sure how representative of Coleburn this is, since I haven’t had any before. This drinks easily, as can be expected at 43%, but isn’t boring. The finish is surprisingly good, when that is usually the weakest part of a 43% dram. Nice floral and citrus with pastry. As an introduction to Coleburn, it’s not bad.  

Buy a bottle? Not that I’ll ever find one, but maybe.   

Score: 76

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)