Scotch Whisky Review #494: Brechin North Port (1982) Private Cellar Cask Selection

Distillery: North Port.

Region: Highland.

Age: Distilled in 1982, bottled in 2004.

ABV: 43.0%.

Price: £220 at auction.

Color: 1.1, Burnished.

This is the 23rd installment of this years’ Christmas Countdown. You can check out previous editions as well (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022).

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Nose: It is quite light and bright. There’s a buttery shortbread in the background with some fruitier notes in the foreground. Apple juice, lemon zest, figs, blackcurrant scones, and some papaya are what I’ve picked out.

Palate: It starts with something almost smoky and sweet. It’s like you’re taking a bite into some sugar that’s literally just been brûléed, slightly burnt, and is still bubbling hot and you’re probably about the burn your tongue. Following the sugar comes the distinct note of cinnamon rolls. Some caramel apples, scored rice, and Fig Newton filling wrap things up.

Finish: Medium in length. You get some more of the cinnamon roll along with some ginger candies and candied nuts (walnuts I think).

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Conclusion: North Port was a distillery I’d assumed would be one I’d find a very hard time trying and wasn’t something I was actively seeking out. A few months ago though, this bottle was listed at auction with a fairly low price, I YOLO’d and somehow it worked. Michael Jackson’s Malt Whisky Companion lists North Port as being “dry, fruity, gin-like. Apertif” and I completely see why that description was made. This is light all around and certainly comes across like an apertif. I really enjoy the interplay of fruit and shortbread on the nose. The palate is a lot of fun with some more dessert-y notes but it stays from getting too sweet and wandering into the realm of after dinner drams. The finish is the definition of moreish. I feel like there’s more for this whisky to give and I’m very curious how things changes the longer it stays open but even a week in, this is delicious.

Rating: 90.

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Scotch Whisky Review #494, Highland Review #102, Whisky Network Review #659

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.