1980s Bell’s Old Scotch Whisky Extra Special

The 1980s Bell’s Old Scotch Whisky Extra Special is a nostalgic blend that reflects the character of mid-to-late 20th century Scotch—robust, slightly rustic, and unmistakably British in its sensibility. Bottled before the rebranding to “Bell’s Original,” this expression carries the DNA of Blair Athol and other classic malts from the Bell’s stable.

Bell’s Extra Special (1980s bottling) — Tasting Notes

Nose :- Briney and earthy — A touch of coastal salinity with damp forest floor. Grain-forward — Toasted cereal, biscuit, and a hint of porridgeSubtle fruit and spice — Lemon peel, dried apple, and a whisper of nutmeg

Palate :- Grassy and juicy — Fresh-cut hay and orchard fruit, with a malty backbone. Shortbread and cookies — A creamy, chewy texture reminiscent of tea-time treatsLemon marmalade — Bright citrus layered over mellow grain sweetness

Finish :- Oily and peppery — Lingering aromatics with a dry, spicy tail. Assertive but rounded — Not overly refined, but satisfying in its old-school charm

Historical Context

Blend Core: Blair Athol malt, with contributions from Dufftown, Inchgower, and Pittyvaich (used from 1974–1993)

Style: More textured and earthy than modern Bell’s, with less filtration and more batch variance