Review by: Whiskery Turnip

Image Credit: zSolaris, aka Scotch and Sheen; check out his excellent review through the link.

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Distillery: North Port.

Bottler: Private Cellar.

Region: Scotland/Highland Single Malt.

ABV: 43%.

Age: 22 Years. Distilled in 1982. Bottled in 2004.

Cask type: Oak.

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Nose: Big mango and aromatic woods upfront with subtle tropical florals; orange with gentle bergamot and incense, passion flower, tropical tea, mellow hints of musty fallen leaves and petals.

Palate: Medium to light-bodied, aromatic woods and resin, bitter orange, citrus rind, a kiss of salt and driftwood; seashells arrived through the underlying minerality, hints of menthol and herbs with teases of lavender, vanilla, and shea butter; burnt candle wicks and cotton toward the end.

Finish: Medium-length and slightly drying with minerals, citrus rind, and aromatic wood.

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Mental Image: Beach Bungalow Bathroom Chic.

Conclusion: The aroma was fruity with undercurrents of wood, herbs, and a garden bed in need of raking— it was pleasant and varied with a lovely transition from big clear tropical fruits to florals and earth.  Yet, the palate pulled in an entirely different direction with pronounced wood notes over slightly bitter fruits, subtle florals, hints of burnt candles, and something vaguely plastic at times— a slightly industrial twist for the finale.

It was all very beachcomber chic: the aromatic wood and salty air of a beach bungalow filled with shells, driftwood, corals, and all manner of found treasures. Hints of citrus and florals were reminiscent of household cleaning solutions or even a bar of soap sitting unused for years, its fragrance filing a rarely visited beach bungalow guest bathroom.

Overall, an interesting profile, though the aroma and palate felt a bit at odds at times as the dominant notes largely flipped.

Final Score: 82.

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.