The Observatory 20-year-old Single Grain Whiskey, Signature Series / 40%/ 0.7l

A mysterious single grain whiskey from The Observatory Company portfolio, which… is just a registered trademark.

The only key to solving the mystery seems to be the signature on the label of Stephanie MacLeod, master blender of Bacardi Ltd., owner of five Scottish malt distilleries and Dewar's blended whisky (Bacardi does not own a grain distillery). The name "The Observatory" is a nod to the Scottish lighthouses, which dot the 10,000-mile coastline; 206 are currently in operation. The whisky on the label, Macduff Lighthouse, is located near the distillery it shares its name with, which is owned by Bacardi. All we know about the whisky itself is that it is a 20-year-old single grain aged in American oak barrels and bottled in 2018.

Nose : mild and elegant, vanilla, buttered toast, toffee, sweet cereals, multi-berry jam, coconut flakes and toasted oak.

Palate : true to the aroma, vanilla, milkshake, milk chocolate, grapes, nectarines, sugared nuts, biscuits, a pinch of white pepper and oak.

Finish: medium long, with notes of cereal, vanilla, cappuccino, brown sugar, a touch of spice and oak.