Fragrant Drops x Ensign Ewart North British 30yo

Fragrant Drops x Ensign Ewart North British 30yo

Region: Lowlands

ABV: 48.5%

Price: £90.00

This single grain was distilled at North British on the 17th of November 1993 and bottled on the 27th of June 2024. It spent its life in a first fill bourbon barrel. 180 bottles were made available. Bottles are still available at the time of writing from both The Ensign Ewart & The Belfry in Edinburgh, or online.

Nose

The nose opens with heaps and heaps of vanilla.. it’s very sweet, creamy, custard doughnuts, vanilla wafers, chantilly cream, a little light caramel and a little glueiness too. It’s got the classic old grain nose, just with lots of additional sugary sweetness. The alcohol is in good balance, no bite until you get your nose really deep into the glass. Time and air brings more creme brûlée, shortbread fingers and a little hint of peach too.

Palate

The palate bursts open with the creamy vanilla from the nose, custard cream biscuits, vanilla sponge cake, with a thick and viscous mouthfeel to boot. The finish on this dram is a triumph, it’s one of the longest finishes that we’ve experienced in a long time, primarily showing good quality vanilla bean ice cream. The alcohol is in great balance, there’s a slight warmth but it’s in no way overpowering. There’s a touch of grain alcohol bite on the latter palate but it’s not unpleasant. Time and air brings the faintest hint of fresh mango and fondant icing.

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose doesn’t change much at all, perhaps slightly less punch of upfront vanilla, and a little more of those subtle peach notes appear. The alcohol is still in good balance. We don’t really think the dram needs any water, there’s no noticeable benefit for us.

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate follows with more white chocolate and vanilla, it’s like those white chocolate mice from the pick n mix. The mouthfeel is still very good, perhaps slightly less viscous but the finish remains incredibly long, lots of that vanilla ice cream still lingering.

Conclusion

This is an exceptional example of old grain. The first fill barrel gives it so much more flavour and body than we’re used to with the traditional refill barrels you see on most other single grains. It’s one of those drams that you just want to drink again and again, so we’re happy to give this a 9/10.

Score: 9/10

Value

£90 for a 30 year old single grain is pretty good in todays market.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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