Whisky Review/Tasting: Cutty Sark Prohibition

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Blended Scotch Whisky, incorporating grain and malt whiskies.
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in American oak casks.
Age Statement: Likely not older than three years and a day, reflecting prohibition-era practices.
Color & Clarity: The whisky itself is not described in detail, but the bottle is dark green, presumably to mask the traditionally lighter color of Cutty Sark whiskies.
Bottle Design: Old-fashioned style, dark green with engravings, highlighting its prohibition theme and historical significance since 1923.

Balance of Flavors: Full-flavored and challenging, with a balance between spicy, sweet, and herbal notes.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its high alcohol content (50% ABV) for a blended whisky, non-chill filtered, offering a smooth finish despite its strength.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its high ABV and rich flavor profile set it apart from typical blended Scotch whiskies.

Anecdotes: Crafted as a salute to Captain William S. McCoy, who famously smuggled Cutty Sark into America during Prohibition, earning it the nickname "the real McCoy" for its unadulterated quality.
Trivia: The smuggling of Scotch whisky into the US during Prohibition played a significant role in establishing Scotch whisky's popularity in America post-Prohibition.

Historical Context: The whisky pays homage to the Prohibition era in the US (1920s), a time when alcohol was illegal, yet demand for quality spirits like Scotch whisky remained high.
Geographical Significance: References to the Glenrothes distillery and the historical smuggling routes from Scotland through the Caribbean to the US highlight the global journey and cultural impact of Scotch whisky.

Opinions: Horst Luening, the master taster, praises the whisky for its value, flavor, and suitability for both sipping (with a splash of water) and cocktails.
Quotes: "Full flavored and challenging," "a lot of value for the money and a lot of taste for the money," and "it's very good sipping."

Cutty Sark Prohibition is a blended Scotch whisky with a high ABV (50%), matured in American oak casks.
It offers a rich flavor profile with notes of black pepper, toffee, vanilla, and a hint of citrus, suitable for sipping or cocktails.
The whisky celebrates the Prohibition era and Captain William S. McCoy's role in smuggling quality Scotch into America, earning it the nickname "the real McCoy."
It is praised for its value, taste, and historical significance, making it an appealing choice for whisky enthusiasts.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in the historical aspects of whisky and Prohibition-era stories will find this blend particularly engaging.
Cocktail Aficionados: Its strong flavor profile and high ABV make it an excellent base for cocktails where whisky is the dominant flavor.
Value Seekers: Given its reasonable price point and high quality, it's a great option for those looking to explore high-ABV whiskies without breaking the bank.
Beginners: Might find it challenging due to its strength but could enjoy it with a splash of water to tame the ABV and reveal its complex flavors.