The Balvenie The Tale Of The Dog 42yo

Info: It comes as chance and luck that a friend has given me a sample of The Tale Of The Dog, The Balvenie’s 2021, 42yo release from stock comprising of two casks, from 1978 and 1974. 47%. RRP £9,000. Ouch. It comes in a posh box though!
Colour: Rich, fully golden ripe corn in the evening sun light.
Nose: Gently fruity with plenty of old leathery notes along with nuts and polished oak, and more vibrant vanilla tones.
Palate: The 47% here works a treat, it’s oily but not overpowering; it’s gentle, fruity, and although obviously “old” it’s sprightly with vanilla tones, honey, dates and oak.
Finish: Long, slightly oaky but quite sweet and not overly woody with tannins, which I love.
Thoughts: I tried hard not to think of the price and age when I sipped this, such things can maybe subconsciously start you forming opinions. That said, it is a cracking dram for sure. You can tell the well aged stock even if you didn’t know for sure. But the price, ouch… Although apparently not ouch enough to stop sales, it seems sold out and going for more at auction. Cost of living crisis? Not for some whisky drinkers buyers it seems. But… when you can get a 42yo blended scotch whisky from the likes of Master of Malt for under £200 that’s also no doubt is an amazing whisky, would I spend £9000 on this? No. I wouldn’t spend it on any whisky, I’m not that rich. But I still loved the chance to taste it, I’m a lucky guy.

Thanks to my officially unofficial sample giver from William Grant & Sons, you know who you are!