A Pair of Old Invergordons

Our beloved grain whisky label is back for another run this holiday season with new labels and an entirely new package that is—in my opinion—a HUGE upgrade over the previous version. In the past we've used the Sovereign brand to bottle all kinds of interesting things like old Ardbeg, Caol Ila, and Laphroaig, but we've decided to start focusing on grains so as not to confuse folks with our other Hepburn's Choice and Old Particular casks. Fresh off our most recent delivery are two new single barrels of Invergordon, a Whyte & Mackay Highland grain distillery that sits along the waters of the Cromarty Firth north of Inverness. For those of you who still can't wrap your heads around grain whisky, just imagine Bourbon distilled to a higher proof and aged like single malt in various types of refill barrels. It's basically high proof, column still whisky made from corn, wheat, or unmalted barley that's pumped out in mass quantities to mix into blended Scotch. Because of that rather dubious reputation for quality, prices for grain whisky remain low. But because of our extensive tasting and sampling in the genre, we've learned that very old grain whiskies can be like liquid gold—smooth, round, and complex whiskies that are wood-dominated and creamy on the palate.

Just in time for your holiday needs we've got a 27 year refill hogshead of Invergordon, along side a 50 year old fresh Bourbon cask. It's an incredible side-by-side comparison and a true introspective for anyone looking to understand more about an oft-misunderstood style of whisky.

1989 Invergordon 27 Year Old Sovereign K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Whisky $129.99 - This is textbook grain whisky, nothing more and nothing less. It's fruity and round on the entry with a soft mouthfeel and a lovely note of vanilla on the finish. It's no frills, no fuss whisky. It's just flat out delicious.

1964 Invergordon 50 Year Old Sovereign K&L Exclusive Single Barrel Cask Strength Single Grain Whisky $299.99 - This is unlike anything we've had in the grain department before, something in between the Port Dundas and Cambus bottlings we've done in the past. Five decades (yes, fifty freakin' years!) in a Bourbon cask have brought out incredible richness here. It's so rich it's bordering on the nutty rancio flavors one typically finds in sherry-aged Scotch with dark toffee and complex layers of oak. Then there's the incredible price: $299. Try walking into your local liquor store and finding a fifty year old single malt for less than $600. Better yet, try finding a fifty year old whisky at all.

-David Driscoll

David Driscoll