Murray McDavid 1988 North British 37 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky

Murray McDavid 1988 North British 37 Year Old Single Grain Scotch Whisky is an extraordinary Lowland release, distilled in 1988 and bottled in 2026 after nearly four decades of maturation. Released as part of Murray McDavid’s prestigious Mission Gold collection, this exceptional expression spent its first 34 years maturing in a traditional Sherry Butt before receiving an extended three-year finish in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Barriques. This remarkable maturation has transformed North British’s naturally creamy grain spirit into a richly layered whisky, combining dark cocoa, walnut fudge, buttery toffee and elegant oak spice. Bottled at 47.6% ABV, without chill filtration or added colouring, and limited to just 705 bottles worldwide, this is a beautifully mature expression that demonstrates the extraordinary complexity achievable through patient ageing and thoughtful cask finishing. A rare and sophisticated single grain whisky that brings together exceptional age, rich sherry influence and the distinctive craftsmanship of Murray McDavid.

Distillery: North British Distillery
Bottler: Murray McDavid
Series: Mission Gold
Vintage: 1988
Age: 37 Years Old
ABV: 47.6%
Initial Maturation: 34 Years in a Sherry Butt
Cask Finish: 3 Years in Pedro Ximénez Sherry Barriques
Outturn: 705 Bottles

Founded in 1994, Murray McDavid has established itself as one of Scotland’s most innovative independent bottlers, renowned for its distinctive approach to cask maturation and finishing. Its philosophy, often described as the Art of Maturation, focuses on carefully selecting exceptional whisky stocks and enhancing their character through thoughtful wood management. The prestigious Mission Gold collection represents some of the bottler’s oldest and most distinguished releases, showcasing whiskies of exceptional maturity and individuality. North British Distillery, established in Edinburgh in 1885, is one of Scotland’s most historically significant grain whisky producers, traditionally supplying spirit for some of the country's most recognised blended Scotch whiskies. Its elegant, creamy grain spirit provides an outstanding foundation for extended maturation, gradually developing layers of vanilla, caramel, rich cereal sweetness and mature oak. This remarkable 1988 release demonstrates Murray McDavid’s expertise in combining age and cask influence, with 34 years in a Sherry Butt followed by three years in Pedro Ximénez Barriques creating a whisky of exceptional depth. The result is a wonderfully mature single grain expression where dark sherry richness, elegant wood spice and the natural sweetness of aged grain whisky come together in remarkable harmony.

Tasting Notes:

The aroma is wonderfully mature and sophisticated, opening with rich notes of aged leather and dark cocoa, beautifully complemented by the buttery sweetness of walnut fudge. Subtle sherry richness gradually develops beneath the deeper aromas, introducing additional warmth and complexity. The palate is full-bodied and beautifully textured, revealing generous layers of melting toffee and rich, seasoned oak, accompanied by the warming spice of freshly baked spice cake. The extended Pedro Ximénez finishing brings additional richness and concentration, while the underlying creamy grain character provides balance and elegance. The finish is exceptionally long and expressive, with lingering creamy mocha and delicate dark berry fruit gradually giving way to soft vanilla and beautifully integrated oak. A remarkably composed and sophisticated expression, showcasing the exceptional ageing potential of Scottish single grain whisky and the distinctive influence of extended Pedro Ximénez sherry maturation.