Prince Charlie Special Reserve 1970s-80s (1L, 40%)
A rare bottling of Prince Charlie Special Reserve blended Scotch whisky, produced by Lawson & Smith back in the 1980s. It was named after Bonnie Prince Charlie himself, and features his silhouette on the label.
A whisky dedicated to the memory of the last Scottish Prince – Charles Edward Stuart, the legend known as Bonnie Prince Charlie .
Era and Bottling Style:
Prince Charlie Special Reserve from the 1970s-80s is likely a blend, as the “Special Reserve” designation generally refers to a higher-quality blended Scotch. During this period, whisky blends often emphasized smoothness and balance, with an emphasis on sherry cask influence and well-aged malts. So, I drew from the general characteristics of Scotch blends from that time, which often had a smooth, honeyed sweetness, mild fruitiness, subtle spices, and gentle oak influence.
Brand History:
Prince Charlie, while less widely known, was marketed as a premium offering in that era. The blend would have been created with a balance of malt and grain whiskies, likely with a good amount of older stock to maintain a smooth, refined profile. Whiskies from that time period often had a higher percentage of malt whiskies, contributing to the richer, more complex characteristics that I described.
Common Tasting Notes for 1970s-80s Bottlings:
In general, whiskies bottled in the 1970s-1980s (both blends and single malts) tended to have certain common characteristics due to production methods and cask aging practices of the time. These included a smoother mouthfeel, more pronounced sherry cask influence (especially with dried fruit, caramel, and spices), and a gentler, less peated profile compared to some of the more intense modern expressions.
Category Blend
Bottler Lawson & Smith Ltd. (L&SL)
Bottling serie Scotch Whisky
Cask Wood Type Oak
Strength 40.0 %
Vol.Size 1L
Label Square Bottle
In stock
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Tasting Notes
Prince Charlie Special Reserve 1970s-80s (1L, 40%)
Nose:
The nose opens with a soft, honeyed sweetness that immediately hints at age and complexity. There are delicate aromas of dried fruits—raisins, apricots, and a touch of baked apple pie. As it opens up, subtle notes of oak emerge, giving way to a faint smokiness and a light herbal quality, reminiscent of fresh mint or thyme. A slight whiff of vanilla and buttercream adds a rich, creamy layer, giving it an inviting, well-rounded profile.
Palate:
The first sip reveals a smooth and mellow texture, characteristic of whiskies that have had time to age. The honey sweetness from the nose carries over, with an added depth of flavor—caramelized sugar, toffee, and a gentle spice that hints at cinnamon and nutmeg. There’s a subtle fruitiness—think of stewed plums and a slight citrus zest—intermingling with a soft maltiness. The oak is present but not overpowering, creating a well-balanced flavor profile.
Finish:
The finish is medium-long, with a lingering warmth that fades slowly. The oak becomes more pronounced, adding a drying effect, but the residual sweetness and a hint of dried fruit leave a pleasant aftertaste. A faint touch of smoke remains in the background, offering a sense of nostalgia and elegance.
Overall:
Prince Charlie Special Reserve offers a refined and approachable whisky experience. It reflects the smooth, balanced style typical of the 1970s-80s bottlings, with enough complexity to satisfy those looking for a more nuanced dram. It’s an easy sipper with a pleasing, rounded character, showcasing a fine balance of sweetness, fruit, spice, and oak.
Additional information
Weight | 2.10 kg |
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