Since its inception, The Last Drop’s philosophy has been to source rare casks, evaluate the spirit and lay down casks that are exceptional and suitable for extended maturation. By delving into The Last Drop’s inventory and using his experience, Scott has created a blend of malt and grain Scotch whiskies, all of which have aged for at least 50 years.
“For centuries, Scotland’s finest malt and grain distilleries have been distilling unique spirits and laying them in casks for the future,” said Colin Scott, master blender for The Last Drop. “Yet in my half-century career, this is only my second 50-year-old blend, as access to these exceptional liquids is rare. I’m immensely proud of the complexity of this whisky as well as its significance as my inaugural release as The Last Drop’s master blender and our first Signature Blend.”
Over time, the malt and grain whiskies have been selected, and unique blends created to be secured in bourbon and sherry oak casks for further maturation. Final selections were made from these aged casks of malts, grains and aged blends, which were blended to create this 50-year-old whisky. The resulting liquid is rich and luxurious yet retains a balance and freshness that belies its age, with dried fruits and scented floral notes enhanced with sweet spices and creamy toffee.
“Our goal has always been to find casks that have been forgotten or perhaps just contained too little liquid to be considered worthy of bottling,” said Rebecca Jago, managing director for The Last Drop. “These bottles are like museum pieces, but something you can taste, savour and enjoy. Now, with the help of our new master blender and Assembly members, we are progressing from curation to creation by using some of the barrels we have found to create very old – but also completely new – spirits.”
Joining Colin Scott in The Last Drop’s evolution are Drew Mayville, master blender & director of quality, Sazerac Company; Richard Seale, master distiller & blender, Foursquare Rum; Louise McGuane, owner & bonder, JJ Corry Irish Whiskey; Michael D’Souza, master distiller & blender, Paul John Indian Whisky; and Denis Lahouratate, cellar master, Domaine de Sazerac, Cognac.
The Last Drop 50-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky (47.8% ABV) is available for a suggested retail price of $4,250 through fine spirits retailers. Official tasting notes can be found below.
Colour: Liquidamber and gold; a rich, warm colour speaking of whiskies matured in bourbon and sherry casks.
Nose: A light prickle that tempts exploration, featuring a hint of smokey peat from the islands tempered by floral notes alongside vanilla, toast and dried fruit.
Taste: Rich, soft, smooth, full and fruity: on the palate, an explosion of dried apricots, apples and prunes. A rich, creamy texture coats the mouth with sweet and spicy notes, almonds’ nuttiness, and surprising hints of liquorice.
Finish: Long, lingering aftertaste, with oaky notes.
The Last Drop 50-Year-Old Signature Blended Scotch Whisky marks the brand’s first foray into heavily aged spirits. Limited to just 500 bottles worldwide, this blend will be available in the U.S. at an SRP of $4,250 (750ml/47.8% ABV) as of mid-July 2021.