Carsebridge 45 yo (1973/2018), Thompson Bros, 53.5%

Introduction

Carsebridge 45-year-old is a remarkable testament to Scotland’s lost distilling heritage, representing one of the finest examples of aged grain whisky from a distillery that ceased production in 1983 and was demolished in 1992.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Premium Scottish grain (primarily wheat and malted barley) used in the continuous still production typical of grain whisky production in the Lowlands region.
• Distillation process: Distilled in 1973 using Carsebridge’s patent still system, which produced a lighter, cleaner spirit character than traditional pot stills.
• Maturation: Aged for a full 45 years in carefully selected sherry casks, allowing for exceptional depth and complexity to develop over its extended maturation.
• Special techniques: Bottled by Thompson Brothers at natural cask strength of 53.5% without chill filtration or artificial coloring, preserving the whisky’s authentic character and full range of flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich antique oak, dark honey, polished leather, dried apricots, and vanilla custard with subtle traces of tobacco leaf and beeswax.
• Palate: Luxurious mouthfeel with deeply layered butterscotch, toasted nuts, dark chocolate, stewed orchard fruits, and warming baking spices balanced by an elegant oakiness that never overpowers.
• Finish: Exceptionally long and warming with fading notes of toffee, dried fruits, gentle oak tannins, and a subtle hint of exotic spice that lingers impressively.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn whisky glass
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity; a few drops of water may release additional aromatic compounds
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, aged cheeses like Comté or Gouda, or simply on its own as a contemplative after-dinner dram

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 53.5% ABV
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Lowlands
• Certifications/Awards: Extremely limited release of a highly sought-after closed distillery whisky, praised by numerous whisky experts and publications

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

The Carsebridge 45-year-old represents one of the most exceptional examples of ultra-aged grain whisky available on the market today, offering a tasting experience that simply cannot be replicated.

With the Carsebridge distillery closed for nearly four decades, each bottle represents an increasingly rare opportunity to taste a piece of Scotch whisky history that is steadily disappearing from the world.

Expert whisky critics and connoisseurs consistently recognize grain whiskies of this age and caliber as being among the most sophisticated and complex spirits in existence, often surpassing many single malts in terms of depth and character.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

The Thompson Brothers have built their reputation on selecting only the most exceptional casks, with their bottlings frequently becoming prized possessions in serious whisky collections worldwide.

Whisky enthusiasts who commit to exploring the finest examples of grain whisky consistently discover a new dimension to their appreciation of Scotch, with many collectors specifically seeking out Carsebridge as a crown jewel in their collections.

This particular expression exemplifies why aged grain whisky has seen a remarkable renaissance among connoisseurs seeking the next frontier in whisky appreciation.

From Thompson Brothers to You

The Thompson Brothers have honored this exceptional cask by bottling it in its purest form, sharing this historical treasure with only a privileged few whisky enthusiasts who understand its significance.

Their commitment to traditional presentation and authentic whisky values resonates with collectors who appreciate their transparent approach to bottling only the most characterful and distinctive spirits.

By acquiring this bottle, you join a select community of enlightened whisky enthusiasts who recognize and preserve the vanishing legacy of Scotland’s lost distilleries for future generations.