GLEN ALBYN

One of the three 'Inverness' distilleries, the others being Glen Mhor and Millburn. Glen Albyn is a good example of an un-sexy, old style highland malt. There are plenty of independently bottled examples from the 1970s and early 80s. Many are difficult in that they are often dry, austere, a little citrusy, waxy, oily and chalky. The best are full-bodied and demanding drams. The 1960s examples are often the best with the 1963 stocks from G&M being well renowned highlights. There are also some excellent old official 10 year old bottlings of Glen Albyn from the 1970s and 1960s; including a cask strength version bottled for Giaccone in the late 1960s which is terrifically complex, old style and waxy. A distillery which is occasionally unlikely in character but a lot of fun to explore nonetheless.