White Horse (70°proof, OB, blend, +/-1961)

Named after an Edinburgh inn, White Horse was first produced in 1861 by James Logan Mackie. It was his nephew Peter that propelled the blend across the world. He would also build the mythical Malt Mill distillery and raged against Lloyd George's 'People's Budget'. This whisky finds its heart in Lagavulin but Talisker and Linkwood contribute to the blend.

70° Proof / 26 2/3 Fl Oz

This is a splendid example of White Horse at its height in the 1960’s. Probably for the UK domestic market, as there are no importers’ names, tax labels etc. and so very “clean”. In very good condition for its age with a high neck fill.

Rear label very slightly frayed.

Has the horse image embossed on the shoulder of the bottle.

Colour: Gold.

Nose: Straight peat smoke, and nowhere else will you find this splendid botrytissy profile, except in old Yquem or in a few old Alsatian grains nobles. Grilled mushrooms, quinces, apricot pie, pipe tobacco, Spanish ham… It is magnificent.

Mouth: Impeccable, a tad leathery, salty, very Islay-y, with some wonderful tobacco and always this subtle saltiness, then rather beef soup, Thai bouillon… and stuff. A wee hint of chilli.

Finish: Long – at 40% - and extremely complex. Smoke, lemons, oysters, figs…

Comments: No wonder everyone’s looking for these old White Horses, although they’re not all equals. This rotation 1961 was the top of the heap.