North British 15 Years 2003 Mossburn No. 24
In addition to all the single malts, every now and then there is a single grain Scotch whisky that wants to be tasted. Mossburn, a relatively unknown brand in Germany, bottles Whiskys from all regions of Scotland.This bottling No. 24 is from a grain distillery in Edinburgh - North British. This distillery produces primarily for blends and is the main component of many of the world's best-known brands of blended Scotch whisky. Reason enough to try the raw material.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Hay-like and smelling of fresh straw, we can't help but think of a mown meadow. Notes of fresh, juicy grass and a flower meadow are also recognisable. Dominant is a sugary sweetness of white chocolate that coats the other aromas.
Palate
The 15-years single grain whisky opens really delicately. Matured in American hogsheads, it brings vanilla, lots - really lots - of sugar and a little oak. Almost sugar syrup. A little deeper lies a slightly peppery spice that sets a nice accent.
Finish
The medium-long finish coats the palate with a crust of sugar. A small acidic touch is also noticeable.
Thoughts
Marcel 71/100
For those who have had their fill of classic single malts and are craving something sweet with character, the North British 15 Year offers a surprisingly charming alternative. Its vanilla sweetness and a hint of pepper invite you to take another sip — perfect for relaxed moments of enjoyment away from the mainstream.
Sascha 67/100
Structurally, the North British 15 Year shows a balanced harmony between sweet vanilla notes and a light spiciness typical of American hogsheads. Despite its pleasant mildness, it lacks the complexity needed to rise above the good average.
Value for Money: Fair
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What distinguishes a single grain whisky like the North British 15 Year from a single malt?
Single grain whisky is made from various grains, often including corn or wheat alongside barley, and is distilled in column stills. In contrast, single malt whisky consists exclusively of malted barley and is distilled in pot stills. The North British 15 Year is a single grain from the Lowlands region, giving it a lighter, often sweeter and milder character.
How does maturation in American hogsheads influence the flavor of this whisky?
American hogsheads are casks made from former bourbon barrels, usually American white oak, which impart vanilla and sugary notes to the whisky. In the North British 15 Year, this cask type contributes pronounced vanilla sweetness, delicate oak aromas, and a syrupy texture that shape the tasting experience.
Why is the North British 15 Year mainly used in blends, and why is the single bottling worthwhile?
The North British distillery primarily produces grain whisky for blended Scotch, as it provides a neutral base with sweet and mild flavors. The single bottling offers whisky enthusiasts the chance to experience the raw spirit unadulterated and to discover the subtle nuances of this grain whisky from Edinburgh that often get lost in blends.