Blended Scotch Whisky 40 Years (2024) - Living Souls
A 40-years blended Scotch whisky? One often expects a deep, heavy maturity, perhaps dominant oak notes and a certain dignity. But the Living Souls Blended Scotch Whisky Release 2024 surprises with a freshness that you wouldn't necessarily expect in this age category.
The panel
Mean 84.5 · spread 1
Value for money 4/5
- Bottler
- Living Souls
- Type
- Blended Whisky
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 40 years
- Strength
- 41.2% ABV
- Character
- mellow
Tasting
Nose
The exciting complexity of this whisky is revealed from the very first nosing. Exotic fruits such as papaya, apricot and orange rise to the nose, accompanied by a subtle maritime breeze. Cool smoke is subtly noticeable - not intrusive, but harmoniously embedded. A fine citrus note, perhaps lemon, brings additional freshness. There are also hints of heather and a subtle spiciness. The aroma is not overly intense, but extremely inviting and complex.
Palate
On the palate, the whisky unfolds in all its splendour: oily, voluminous and wonderfully balanced. The tropical notes continue - pineapple and mandarin provide a juicy fruitiness, while a subtle spice of white pepper adds excitement. The smoke remains present but restrained - cold and finely interwoven with a nutty note of roasted almonds. A hint of BBQ sauce adds a slightly sweet and savoury nuance that rounds off the overall impression perfectly.
Finish
The finish is medium to long, with a great balance of wood, earth and freshness. The oak is present but not dominant, rather it provides a pleasant structure. An unexpected but extremely exciting effect is the minty-fresh smoky note that is noticeable in the aftertaste. There are also fine pine needles and a slight saltiness, which give the whisky an interesting maritime depth.
Verdicts
Marcel
A 40-years whisky that surprises not only with its freshness but also delights with lively fruitiness and a hint of smoke – drinking this is simply a pleasure! Living Souls has managed to combine elegance and character without falling into boring oak clichés. For anyone seeking a multi-layered yet never dull dram, this blend is a real winner.
Sascha
The Living Souls 40 Years impresses with its balanced harmony between fruity freshness, subtle smoke, and a well-integrated wood note that neither dominates nor gets lost. The complex structure, featuring mineral and maritime nuances, gives the blend remarkable depth and makes it a technically accomplished example of a matured blended Scotch. A whisky that captivates both nose and palate with its precision and harmony.
What it is worth
No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.