Cutty Black 100 Proof Blended Whisky 50%

Captain William McCoy ran whisky into the United States during Prohibition and never watered it down. People started asking for the genuine article — the real McCoy. This bottle is a nod to him.

Expert description

Cutty Sark Prohibition is a Blended Scotch Whisky bottled at 50%.

The edition was made as a tribute to Prohibition, when Cutty Sark was among the most smuggled whiskies on the American east coast. McCoy anchored outside territorial waters and sold bottles on to small boats — and because he never diluted the goods, his name turned into a phrase. The 50% strength was chosen to reach the body the whisky had before it passed through many hands.

Tasting notes

Nose

Stronger than the yellow label. Vanilla, dried fruit and cereal, with a touch of spice and a warm oak note.

Palate

Full and oily. Caramel, orange peel and malt, with a peppery warmth from the strength and a dry oak edge. There is more body than in the standard release, but the same pale fruit character underneath.

Finish

Long and dry, with spice, cereal and a persistent warmth.

Specifications

Name: Cutty Sark Prohibition Blended Scotch Whisky 70 cl 50%
Distillery: Cutty Sark
Region/Country: Scotland
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV: 50 %
Size: 70 CL
Edition: Prohibition Edition
EAN no.: 5010504100309

Flavour profile

Full-bodied · Spiced · Vanilla · Dried Fruit · High Strength

Did you know?

The phrase the real McCoy is, on one widely repeated account, down to Captain William McCoy, who refused to dilute or adulterate his smuggled whisky. The expression stuck long after Prohibition ended.

See our full range of Cutty Sark Whisky

Frequently asked questions about Cutty Sark Prohibition

What does the name Prohibition refer to?

American Prohibition from 1920 to 1933, when Cutty Sark was among the most smuggled whiskies on the east coast. The edition was made as a tribute to that story.

How does it differ from standard Cutty Sark?

The strength. At 50% against 40% it gains more body, more spice and a longer finish, while the pale fruit character underneath stays the same.

Who was the real McCoy?

Captain William McCoy, an American rum runner who shipped unadulterated whisky in from the Bahamas. His reputation for genuine goods is, on a widely repeated account, where the phrase the real McCoy comes from.

Does it work in cocktails?

Yes, and it is actually better suited than the standard release. The 50% means the whisky holds its own against ice, citrus and sugar without being washed out.

Should I add water?

At 50% it easily takes a couple of drops, which loosen the fruit. Try it neat first so you can feel how much the strength contributes to the texture.

What is a blended Scotch?

A mixture of malt whisky and grain whisky from several distilleries. See the full selection in our Blended Scotch Whisky.