Stop number 54 on the SDT is North British. This Lowland distillery exclusively produces grain whisky, and the vast majority is sold as bulk whisky to use in various blends. This is a single grain bottle from the independent bottlers at Berry’s. Distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2015, this 18 year old is from cask number 224751, 57% ABV, is non chill filtered and natural color of golden straw. The nose starts pretty sharp. Lots of honey and vanilla and strong grains. Dried ginger, oak and golden raisins. A touch fruity with dried apricots and a slight blueberry pie feel. Baked bread and light toffee. Not very exciting so I figured I’d add some water as the high ABV might be masking some flavors. Water reveals a rubbery note and some sweetness but little else. Not looking good so far. The palate arrives somewhat hot as is to be expected from the strength. A heavy grain feel. Oak, fairly bitter. Light fruits, raisins, berries and apricots. Honey and vanilla. Not much else really. Water softens it, but the bitterness remains. Medium bodied mouthfeel that is oily and mouthwatering. A medium long finish that is bitter and oaky. Unfortunately this is another failed independent bottling. I suspect poor casks or just overly rough spirit. 18 years was not long enough to tame this beast. Water takes out some of the bad elements, but makes no real improvements to the point of enjoyability. At $90 it’s really not worth it. I can see why this stuff is relegated for use as a bulk blending component. Thank to @LeeEvolved for the sample, another distillery checked off the tour. 2.25 Cheers