Rating: 10/23 The back of this bottle suggests that this whisky (well, its 1920s American Prohibition era equivalent) is the origin of the phrase "the real McCoy". An exciting story to be sure. Sadly, a quick web search reveals that the phrase goes back to the 1800s and Cutty Sark doesn't even make it onto the Wikipedia article. So, in a sense, this is most definitely not "the real McCoy". Still, I've heard quite positive things about this one and it took me a while to track it down, so I'm excited to try it. N: Lemon zest, a touch of oil, a faint black pepper presence, something sweet and a bit grainy. Not a very full or complex nose. A bit of sulphur as I dig down into it. I have to imagine that there's a lot of grain whiskey in this and it's quite young. P: Lemon and pepper with a slightly oily sulphur backing. There's a definite graininess here that fits in with the burn. Unfortunately, when I add water it becomes apparent that the burn is not just caused by the high (for a scotch) ABV: this is actually a kind of harsh whisky. There's some sweetness that's kind of like wheat bread with some really light caramel. That basic profile makes me think of Three Scottish Brothers, but this is less full and far harsher and also has less wood. There's a little happening here, but it isn't really pleasant. That sulphur never goes away. F: burns for sure. Hints of lime and black pepper. A bit of malty sweetness. Still some sulphur. - Conclusion - I do notice the higher proof here, but I don't really care about it. It's lemony and light compared with Dewar's 15 The Monarch (13). The Dewar's is more balanced with a fuller, more mature profile as well - and far less sulphur. Coming back to the sulphur, Highland Park 12 (12/23) has way too much sulphur. This doesn't have as much sulphur, but it's in the same cluster of whiskies that have an unpleasant amount unless you dull your palate first. The Highland Park also has more complexity and fullness of flavor with more interesting things happening. I'd take it over this. OK, so this is definitely less than a 12. For a while, I was thinking that this was an 11, but I'm now thinking that might be a bit too generous. I think a 9 or 10 is most likely. This does strike me as better than Ardbeg Wee Beastie (8/23), but it's harsh with sulphur. Not great. I'm thinking it's a 10.