North British 1991 31 Year Old - Hogshead Imports
Mellow, Sweet Fruity2025-01-22
Smell
From the very first nosing, it becomes clear that this whisky has a story to tell. Caramel, as intense as melted sugar on the hob, meets velvety vanilla and sweet honey. A subtle note of soft oak resonates, accompanied by a hint of stone fruit that lends a fruity depth. Surprising and slightly unorthodox is a note reminiscent of thinner or touch-up pencil - an exciting contrast.
Taste
A mixture of fresh wood and damp sawdust unfolds on the palate, providing a rustic touch. The sweetness comes to the fore in the form of cream caramels, giving the whisky a soft and almost creamy texture. Despite the complexity, the flavour is not overloaded, but balanced, with a slightly sweet base note reminiscent of patisserie.
Finish
In the finish, the North British is surprisingly restrained. A slight warmth spreads, but disappears relatively quickly.
Thoughts
The North British 31 year old bottled by Hogshead Imports is an exciting encounter with extremes. The intense caramel notes and sweetness dominate the first impression, but as the tasting progresses, a certain lightness emerges that seems almost thin. This contrast may come as a surprise to some whisky lovers, but it also makes the drop unique.