The Sovereign (distilled at Dumbarton) 1964 50 year old, 49.1%

Rosewater, polished antique oak furniture, nail polish remover, and clove on the nose. It's fruit forward compared to other aged examples from this closed distillery; the spiced apple and baked plum are partnered by peppery heat and chili, ginger, and fleeting hints of coffee and cocoa. The flavors throb out of this one, producing a long-lasting experience ending with a dry finish of soft fruits and ginger. A splash of water coaxes out nougat and makes the spices behave. (162 bottles) £380