Nose: Apple, vanilla, light woody notes, sweet citrus, light fruit cake, caramel. Adding water develops floral aromas. Palate: Fruity arrival with fresh apples, pears and stone fruit plus stewed fruits (figs, dates, apricot) and sultanas. There is a faint chocolate biscuit note and some nutty sherry. The texture is good. Finish: Short. A continuation of the palate with the impression of sherry building as it moves into the aftertaste. Clydeside Distillery was founded in 2016 and production began the following year. It is owned by Morrison Glasgow Distillers Ltd. which is associated with the independent bottler Morrison Scotch Whisky Distillers (but the two are separate companies). The distillery is located in the Pump House, a refurbished historic building next to the river Clyde. Their first whisky was issued in 2021 and they now have several expressions in the core range. The distillery has an interesting visitor centre that highlights the history of Glasgow and industry on the Clyde, and they offer a range of tours. A tasting is part of the basic tour and it features four of their whiskies, of which this was the third. Stobcross is a 5 year old blend of the distillery’s bourbon-cask and sherry-cask aged whiskies, with the emphasis on the bourbon-matured component. Not surprisingly it tastes very much like the young “bourbon cask” expression we tasted first but with extra heft and a touch of nutty sherry. Interestingly, the sherry component acts here like a spice that enhances the bourbon background and it is a successful strategy. There is also a fresh cereal aspect to the whisky and it has a delicate character, but it’s not a lightweight. It is a good example of modern, young Lowland whisky. Tasted at Clydeside Distillery, 22nd April 2025 “Good” : 83/100 (3.5 stars)