A review of a blended whisky? Sure, why not? Especially when it’s a blended whisky with a pedigree:

All the way back in 1958, a rare blend of Scotch malt and grain whiskies was found in 10 casks in a warehouse owned by William Muir Bond 9 Limited. Having been distilled in 1954 and made to a recipe that dates back to the 1800s which was enjoyed by royalty, it’s safe to say it was quite a good find indeed.

In 1966, when the whisky was 12 years old, a quantity was bottled for the Directors of William Muir Bond 9 Limited and a close group of friends. A total of 6 accountants and lawyers made it possible, forming Syndicate 58/6.

The Syndicate blend contains 18 Single Malt Whiskies and 4 Single Grain Whiskies. A ‘Solera’ system is used and additional 12 year Old whiskies are added so they are reblended with older stock (Thus it still contains small quantities of the original 1958 blend). The blend is then married and finally matured for up to 2 years in 4 year old Oloroso Sherry casks from Andalucia.

Syndicate 58/6 12 Year Old (40%, £30)

Nose: Sweet, fruit and grain, pencil shavings, oranges and dried fruit, raspberries and strawberry, cinnamon, a bit of wood glue, then it becomes fruity again with the addition of green melon, harmonized and balanced. After a while develops some fruity perfume.

Palate: Gentle spiciness, sweet grain, creamy, caramel, honey, oak wood.

Finish: Short medium length, spicy bitterness, oak, pencil shavings, honey and dried fruit.

Thoughts: Good nose, less so on the palate with stronger grainy feel and extra oak influence. For a blend It’s not bad. It’s a good choice as a summer time whisky (on the rocks too), albeit it is a bit more expensive than your average blend.