
Murray McDavid - Select Grain, North British 15y, 2009-2024, Islay & Tokaji & Olo finish, 49.5% ABV, 963b, Single Grain Scotch Whisky
This 15-year-old single grain Scotch whisky, crafted by Murray McDavid, is a celebration of innovative maturation and distinct flavor. Distilled in 2009 at the North British Distillery, one of Scotland's premier grain whisky producers, it spent its initial maturation in American oak barrels before being finished in a combination of Islay (smoky), Tokaji (Hungarian dessert wine), and Oloroso sherry casks. These finishes impart a complex profile combining sweet, smoky, and rich sherry notes. Bottled at 49.5% ABV, this whisky balances its boldness with a smooth and refined character. With only 963 bottles produced, this limited-edition release is a unique offering in Murray McDavid’s Select Grain Series.
Key Features
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Type:
- Single Grain Scotch Whisky, showcasing the lighter, sweeter, and smoother characteristics of grain whisky while enhancing its complexity with bold cask finishes.
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Distillery:
- Produced at North British Distillery, a renowned grain whisky producer located in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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Cask Finishes:
- A triple cask finish that combines:
- Islay casks, contributing subtle smoky and maritime flavors.
- Tokaji casks, imparting sweetness, dried fruits, and honeyed notes.
- Oloroso casks, adding rich sherry tones of dried fruits, nuts, and spice.
- A triple cask finish that combines:
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Age Statement:
- Aged for 15 years, offering a balanced combination of youthful vibrancy and maturity.
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Alcohol by Volume (ABV):
- Bottled at 49.5% ABV, delivering an accessible yet full-flavored experience.
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Limited Edition:
- With only 963 bottles produced, this is a rare and collectible release.
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Select Grain Series:
- Part of Murray McDavid’s Select Grain Series, which highlights the potential of grain whiskies through unique cask finishes and extended aging.
Flavour Profile
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Nose:
- Aromas of honey, golden syrup, and candied fruits, layered with light smoke, hints of sea salt, and a touch of roasted nuts.
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Palate:
- A silky and sweet palate featuring flavors of toffee, butterscotch, and apricots, balanced by subtle peat smoke, dark chocolate, and a gentle spice. The Tokaji cask adds a honeyed richness, while the Oloroso finish contributes depth with notes of raisins, figs, and walnuts.
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Finish:
- A medium to long finish with lingering notes of smoked caramel, dried fruits, and a touch of oak spice, leaving a harmonious balance of sweet and smoky.
Food Pairing Suggestions
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Desserts:
- Pair with honey cake or apricot tart to complement the whisky’s Tokaji-inspired honey and fruit notes, while the smoky undertones add depth to the pairing.
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Savory Dishes:
- Enjoy with smoked duck breast or barbecued pork ribs. The whisky’s smoky and sweet elements enhance the savory, caramelized flavors of these dishes.
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Cheese:
- Pair with aged Manchego or smoked Gouda, as the whisky’s rich and nutty flavors meld beautifully with the cheese’s creamy and slightly sharp profile.
Who Is It For?
Murray McDavid - North British 15-Year-Old is perfect for:
- Grain Whisky Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the lighter, sweeter style of grain whisky and are keen to explore its potential in unique cask finishes.
- Fans of Innovative Whisky Finishes: The triple cask maturation (Islay, Tokaji, and Oloroso) makes this whisky an exciting option for anyone who enjoys experimental and complex flavor profiles.
- Collectors: With only 963 bottles produced, this limited-edition release is a must-have for collectors seeking rare and distinct expressions.
- Those New to Peated Whisky: The subtle Islay smoke offers an approachable introduction to peated flavors without overwhelming the palate.
About the Brand
Murray McDavid is an independent Scotch whisky bottler, founded in 1994 and based at the historic Coleburn Distillery in Speyside. The brand is renowned for its innovative approach to whisky production, particularly through its creative use of cask finishes. Murray McDavid’s philosophy revolves around showcasing the potential of Scotch whisky by experimenting with diverse casks, including sherry, wine, rum, port, and even beer casks.
The Select Grain Series highlights the often underappreciated category of grain whisky, demonstrating its versatility and ability to showcase unique flavors through careful maturation and finishing. Each release in this series is a testament to Murray McDavid’s commitment to quality and their innovative spirit.