1970s Crawford’s Five Star 12 Year Old Deluxe Scotch Whiskey

This is an incredibly rare 1970s bottle of Crawford's Five Star - a classic 12 year old Scotch blend that was first made by the blender and merchant A & A Crawford in Leith in the early 20th century.

The 1970s Crawford’s Five Star 12 Year Old Deluxe Scotch Whisky is a rare blended Scotch that reflects the craftsmanship and blending style of its era. While formal tasting notes are scarce, we can infer a speculative profile based on its age, provenance, and typical blending practices of the time:

Speculative Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep amber with golden highlights, suggesting extended maturation and possible sherry cask influence.

Nose: Rich and mellow with notes of dried fruits (fig, raisin), polished oak, and a touch of heather honey. Hints of leather, old library books, and subtle smoke—hallmarks of vintage blends.

Palate: Smooth and rounded with layers of toffee, malted barley, and stewed apples. A whisper of peat and spice—likely from Highland or Islay components—balanced by creamy grain whisky softness. Mid-palate reveals nutmeg, cinnamon, and a faint waxiness reminiscent of older bottlings.

Finish: Medium to long, with lingering notes of oak, vanilla, and a gentle herbal fade. Slightly drying, with echoes of tobacco leaf and antique wood.

Historical Context
Crawford’s Five Star was originally blended by A & A Crawford, a respected merchant and blender. By the 1970s, it was positioned as a deluxe offering, likely containing a higher proportion of aged malt whisky than standard blends. Bottlings from this era often leaned toward richer, more robust profiles, with less chill filtration and lower caramel coloring than modern equivalents.