Balvenie 1976/1987 (60.6%, Scotch Malt Whisky Society, #40.1) No need to say this is a very early and pretty scarce SMWS bottling of Balvenie, a whisky they haven't bottled since - unless I'm mistaken - 1995. Anyway, quite excited for this one... Colour: White wine. Nose: It's strong and not a little closed at first nosing. However, you do feel a sense of common identity with the 1972. There is some pollen and green fruits and honey, but it is all wrapped up in a bigger waxiness and a more muscular and austere minerality. More slightly fermented notes of hay, sourdough and various cereals and fresh butter. Perhaps a little lemon rind with freshly chopped chives and ground white pepper. Quite a demanding nose this one. Lets bring out our stalwart pal - water:  becomes beautifully waxy and almost Clynelishesque with water. More cereals, more oils, more herbs, more farmyard notes. Citrus, orange blossom, perhaps even a few medical tinctures in the background. Quite a lovely development with water. Mouth: See, this is what I mean, these old younger Balvenies could be quite 'highland' in character. This one is much fatter, oilier and waxier with much more pronounced minerality. Some buttery notes as well along with touches of sage, blossom, saltiness and lemon oil. This is a big, muscular and potent dram. Again, water is probably needed... With water: interestingly the texture becomes almost wider, fatter and more salty with water. This could really be some sort of bastard Clynelish! White fruits, minerals, pebbles and again a tiny touch of something medical or peaty. Finish: Lengthy, fat, plenty of olive oil, grass, dried herbs and lemon rind. A tiny touch of fresh brown bread and some toasted sunflower seeds. Comments: Old Balvenie is terrible and you should definitely never buy it. That is all! SGP: 463 - 91 points.