The Observatory 20 years old Signature Series Single Grain Scotch Whisky 70 cl 40%

A lighthouse cuts through fog and darkness, night after night, year after year. The Observatory is named for Scotland's many coastal lighthouses and celebrates that same patient endurance in its own long maturation.

Expert description

The Observatory 20 Years is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky bottled at 40% ABV from the Signature Series, distilled at the Macduff distillery, also known for producing the Single Malt whisky Glen Deveron.

The lighthouse on the box is the series' recurring symbol, referencing the many lighthouses that line Scotland's coastline and have guided sailors safely to harbour for centuries. The series was created by master blender Stephanie Macleod, one of the industry's few female master blenders.

The whisky has matured for 20 years in a combination of used sherry casks and Virgin Oak, a pairing that gives this grain whisky an unusual depth and complexity more often associated with single malt than single grain.

The result is an unusually soft mouthfeel with pronounced sherry sweetness, vanilla and dark chocolate, setting it apart from the lighter, more neutral style many associate with grain whisky.

Tasting notes

Nose

Sweet sherry and toasted vanilla meet fresh summer berries and a touch of citrus.

Palate

Mouth-filling and soft, with ripe grapes, vanilla and cane sugar sweetness.

Finish

Warm and dry, with a lightly spiced close.

Specifications

Name: The Observatory
Distillery: Macduff
Series: Signature Series
Region/Country: Highland, Scotland
Type: Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Age: 20 Years
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Sherry and Virgin Oak
EAN: 7640171033228

Flavour profile

Sherry-sweet · Vanilla · Soft

Investment potential

A 20-year-old Single Grain from a named source distillery is relatively rare on the market, since most grain whiskies are bottled far younger, giving The Observatory an interesting position for collectors with an interest in the grain category.

Did you know?

Single Grain whisky differs from Single Malt in that it is distilled from grains other than exclusively malted barley, often wheat or corn, typically on a continuous column still rather than traditional pot stills, giving a lighter, more neutral base character that here has been transformed by 20 years of cask maturation.

Frequently asked questions about The Observatory 20 Years

Which distillery does The Observatory come from?

The whisky is distilled at the Macduff distillery, which also produces the Single Malt whisky Glen Deveron.

Why is the whisky called The Observatory?

The name and the lighthouse on the box reference Scotland's many coastal lighthouses, symbolising endurance and long, faithful service, much like the whisky's 20 years in cask.

What is the difference between Single Grain and Single Malt whisky?

Single Grain is distilled from grains other than exclusively malted barley, typically on a column still, while Single Malt is made exclusively from malted barley on traditional pot stills.

What casks is The Observatory 20 Years matured in?

The whisky has matured in a combination of used sherry casks and Virgin Oak.

Who created the Signature Series?

The series was created by master blender Stephanie Macleod.

Is The Observatory suitable for those who usually only drink Single Malt?

Yes, the deep sherry sweetness and long maturation give it a richness and complexity that make it a great introduction to the often overlooked grain category.

How should The Observatory be enjoyed?

It works well neat as a digestif, and its soft sweetness also makes it well suited to introducing new tasters to grain whisky.