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DooYoo might think that they have covered all eventualities by including classifications for both blended Scotch Whisky and Scottish Malt Whisky. Oh the best laid plans of mice and men ! (Is that ‘die mausen und die Menschen’ in DooYoo German ?) . But there is one other category of Scotch Whisky that you can buy and that is Scottish Grain whisky, but I know of only one species of this genus (still checkling !) Now all Scotch whisky aficionados will know that large volumes of Scottish Grain Whisky are produced for blending and that this 'whisky' is 'matured' in the same manner as Malt Whisky. However, as far as I am aware, there is only one which is matured, bottled and sold as a "Single Grain Highland Scotch Whisky", and that is "The Invergordon". I have never seen this whisky on a supermarket shelf, but it is available in the specialist whisky shops. Also, as far as I am aware, the Scottish Grain Whisky Distilleries are all in the lowlands, with the exception of The Invergordon Distillery. This is located in the Highlands, drawing its water “from Loch Glass (sic)”. I’m not certain if it is a distillery that is open for tours. The Invergordon 10 years old Single Grain Highland Scotch Whisky is sold in a clear glass bottle (and hence should be protected from light). It is very pale in colour (thus having less added caramel). Put a dram into a glass and have someone conduct a ‘double blind trial’. I always perform this test on any new friends who reckon that they ‘know’ about Scotch, particularly the Malt Whisky ‘experts’. In my opinion, this product really does have some of the general characteristics of a Lowland Malt, being smooth and light in flavour. However, it does have a distinct, ‘sweet’ nose that lacks the subtle complexity (if that is not a contradiction of terms!) of a true malt whisky. Indeed, when any such ‘test’ or 'trial' is performed on me, I always ‘nose’ the glasses, rather than taste. It is easier to clear the nasal receptors (with big snitch-breaths) than the palate. I will then use the palate only to confirm my judgement. If I am feeling especially wicked (and it is not 'my whisky') I may ask for 'refills' to 'confirm my judgment'. Seriously, this is one of my (many) favourite party games. Surprisingly few Scots have tasted this superb product, and hence the looks of incredulity when told that they are ‘wrong’ in their ‘opinion’ (always given with ‘true gravitas’). I particularly enjoyed the experience of seeing a Scottish ‘medical celebrity’ who was so hopelessly off the mark as to suggest that it might have been a ’young Macallan’ (“Young McTavish”, more like it, said a ‘wit’ in the room). In any group conversations about the relative merits of malt whisky, I always ‘mention’ The Invergordon. My friends always keep quiet when I do this. As yet no one has ‘called my bluff’, and it is surprisingly how many pseuds fall into the trap and show their ignorance by agreeing that it is ‘great’ but adding ‘you don’t see that malt often’. Knowing smile from me (and my ‘crew’ when present). Seriously, if you doo start a Malt Whisky library, then bottle of “The Invergordon” must appear (but keep it in the dark, and I mean that most sincerely folks !). Strength 43% VOL Copyright Sidneygee 2001