Pittyvaich 1992, 30 Year Old - The Recollection Series "Connoisseurs Choice" G&M, 700ml

Created in 1968 by whisky visionary, George Urquhart the Connoisseurs Choice tells its life story through its label: cask type, bottling date, strength, vintage and tasting note.

The 30 Year Old Pittyvaich was distilled in 1992, matured in refilled Bourbon Barrel and bottled from cask #4023 at 52% ABV, in 2022. Bottled under the Connoisseurs Choice and the Recollection Series.

Only 83 bottles were produced.

Built in 1975 and located next door to the Dufftown distillery, which was in effect its spiritual sister, Pittyvaich had two wash stills and two spirit stills, producing a fruity, characterful spirit favoured by blenders. 

What is perhaps more remarkable (and will surely come up at a distillery pub quiz at some point) is that in 1994, for the month of November, the distillery was used briefly for the production of none other than Gordon’s gin, as a matter of precaution, just in case something catastrophic occurred at the main gin distillery in London.

The results were never bottled, so no one will discover if the experiment was a success or not and sadly, Pittyvaich was closed and finally demolished in 2003, leaving a number of its casks of whisky still slumbering away.

Nose: Fresh peanuts intertwine with lemon peel and freshly cut grass. Ripe green apple aromas come to the fore alongside guava and dried banana.

Palate: Lime zest combines with milk chocolate and desiccated coconut. Sweet fruit sorbet with hints of guava and soft pepper.

Finish: Medium-bodied with toasted almonds and lingering spice.