Product description
James Catto, an Aberdeen grocer, is one of the pioneers of blended Scotch whisky.
Catto's Rare Old Scottish Highland whisky debuted in 1861, blended from Highland single malts and Lowland grain whiskies. The core of the formula was malts from three local distilleries, Strathdee, Devanha and Bon Accord (all closed before World War II). In 1916 the brand was owned by W. & A. Gilbey, and in 1990 it joined the Inver House Distillers portfolio. The blend formula was removed from the contract and is now based on malts owned by Inver House, mainly Balmenach, Knockdhu and Speyburn.
Nose: medicinal, slightly spirituous, malt, freshly cut grass, nut shells, honey, vanilla, lemon peel and burnt buttered toast.
Taste: light and sweet, candy, lemon and orange zest, vanilla, breakfast cereal, traces of hay and herbal spices.
Finish: medium long, sweet, vanilla, honey, brown sugar, a pinch of pepper and traces of oak.