Creamy orange spicy waxy vanilla quite nice

https://whiskylovingpianist.wordpress.com/2020/03/15/the-old-rare-show-2020-part-3a/

I’m back at the Justerini & Brooks stand where 'The Last Drop' is enjoying an old blend. I have a good natter with Colin Dunn who points out the quality/value ratio at his stand. He isn’t wrong. I spontaneously plumb for a Rare Malts Coleburn at only £7. The problem with improvising, however, is I end up trying things I’ve already tried. Oh well!

C: I’m talking too much to take sufficient notes. I did observe that there were bumpy patches en-route that held this whisky back from reaching top tier marks, but it’s very decent malt with that desirable & recognisable O&R air about it. A chalky > metallic=blend-like finish. Scores 87 points – the same score as last time as it turns out [WLP87], from a sample I purchased at the first Old & Rare Show in Glasgow in 2017.

https://whiskylovingpianist.wordpress.com/2017/08/11/flash-flood-friday-old-rare-samples-2/

N: Starts off with a fistful of dry grasses [hay/straw]. a firm sponge with subtle vanilla>lemon essence, a [marjoram] herbal note, a subtle-fruit rolled-oat raw crumble spiced with cloves and a little dry farm/cowpat note [hot summers day dry]. The cask directs a firm savoury dry woodiness as the fruit crumble fades in & out. Seems a little cagey at the moment but i sense more curiosities lurk beneath. Later on we have a development of old oil paint brushes, metallic cream, rhubarb and jackfruit alongside more recognised Speyside floral notes and spongey & grassy tones - as detected first off. Add water for a more recognisable, softer, still farmy, broad savoury>sweet malt.
T: Intense, sustained arrival with no peppery heat or troublesome spikes. Mouthfeel is oily [neat] and waxier with water, with a rubbery-spongey textural quality. Water allows flow & movement, though its journey is steady, relaxed and unrushed.
F: A soft warm spiciness builds. The finish however is fairly short though it hums a little, leaving with it a savoury, slightly industrial/metallic edge. Not totally satiating, but most likeable and one you can put your faith in to return with more goodies.
C: Look at all that blurb! On another day i reckon i could be happy with noting this simply as an enjoyable light-farmy, firm savoury-grassy, Spey-style malt with a decent body and an industrial edge - showing its best with a little water. On the other hand, it is a super-interesting whisky given its rarity, & un-commercial old Spey-style, one im so glad i have had the luxury of time with.Scores a B