Signature Rare Aged Whisky

Signature Rare Aged Whisky

Region: India

ABV: 40.0%

Price: £46.00 (1 litre)

Launched in 1994, Signature Rare Aged (or McDowell Signature Rare) is a blended Indian whisky made by United Spirits, a subsidiary of Diageo. It combines aged Indian malt whiskies with imported Scotch components. 

Nose

The nose is quite tight initially, not too much coming through. As we dive in, we find some orange marmalade, lemon water, tinned pineapple syrup, and wafer cones. Air is bringing more of a light brown sugar note, a little richer but still quite light and fruity. Going back and we're getting even more orange - orange essence, orange oils, tangerine, and some light vanilla in the background.

Palate

The palate opens with more orange.. we're sensing a theme here, however there's a bit of chocolate peering through - think creamy milk chocolate with a few drops of orange oil added. We're also finding clotted cream, a hint of sea salt, caramel wafers and something a little grain whisky-like right at the end. The mouthfeel is fine - there's some creamy texture here, and we're starting to get some foam banana as the palate develops. The last sip brings through Caramac bars on the finish.

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose changes... more alcoholic, slightly foosty, damp, but with some fresh linen in the background. The prominent orange note has faded somewhat into the background.. it's definitely less sweet, there's even a little shea butter appearing too.

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate loses a lot of the mouthfeel, it feels a lot waterier now. There's still classic vanilla, buttercream, coconut oil.. the coconut essence without the sweetness. Water has killed this dram, it didn't really need it in the first place.

Conclusion

It took some time to open up on both the nose and palate - but after that the dram really starts to shine. The palate is the star here, lots of sweet, creamy, chocolatey, citrusy flavours that work well together. The nose is still quite tight though, perhaps it needs longer.

Score: 5.5/10

Value

Quite pricey for a 40% blended whisky, there's better value to be found out there.

• 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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