North British 1988 – 32 Year Old – Select Grain – Murray McDavid

The North British 1988 – 32 Year Old – Select Grain – Murray McDavid is a remarkable expression of single grain Scotch whisky that highlights the elegance, depth and maturation potential of grain spirit when allowed decades of patient ageing. Independently bottled by Murray McDavid as part of its prestigious Mission Gold series, this release offers whisky enthusiasts a rare opportunity to savour a long‑aged expression from the iconic North British Distillery — a cornerstone of Scottish grain whisky production whose spirit has formed the backbone of many beloved blended Scotch whiskies for over a century.

Distilled in 1988, this grain whisky spent an impressive 32 years maturing in oak casks, including initial ageing in refill bourbon hogsheads and a thoughtful finish in 1st Fill Koval rye whiskey casks sourced from America. This dual maturation approach allows the spirit’s inherent characteristics — creamy texture, gentle sweetness and balanced oak influence — to develop richer and more sophisticated flavour layers as it interacts with wood over decades.

Grain whisky, typically produced on continuous column stills from cereals such as maize and malted barley, has traditionally played a supporting role in blended Scotch. However, long‑aged single grain expressions like this challenge that assumption, demonstrating complexity and refinement often associated with aged single malts. With no chill‑filtration and natural colour retained, this whisky preserves its full aromatic oils and authentic mouthfeel, giving drinkers an unadulterated experience of its evolution over time.

On the nose, this 32‑year‑old North British reveals an inviting aromatic profile where grilled pears and fresh apples mingle with rich vanilla hints. These layered scents reflect the marriage of natural grain sweetness with subtle influence from the rye cask finish, creating a nuanced bouquet that rewards slow nosing.

The palate unfolds gracefully with further development of orchard fruit characters alongside apple pastry, sweet oak and gentle allspice notes. The rye cask finish gently accents the grain base, adding spice complexity without overwhelming the whisky’s core character. The texture is smooth and refined — a testament to the impact of extended oak maturation on grain spirit.

The finish is both sweet and savoury, lingering with hints of liquorice and soft oak tannins that fade deliberately, making each sip a thoughtful and lingering experience. The balance between fruit, oak spice and savoury echoes gives this whisky a compelling finish, ideal for contemplative sipping or as the highlight of a curated tasting flight.

Part of what makes the North British 1988 – 32 Year Old – Select Grain so special is its limited outturn — with just 405 bottles released worldwide — and its historical value. North British Distillery has been distilling grain spirit since 1885, and while its products are foundational in many Scotch blends, its single grain expressions are rare and coveted. This release reflects both the heritage of the distillery and the visionary craftsmanship of Murray McDavid, who identified and preserved this exceptional cask for mature whisky lovers.

This whisky is ideal for research and tasting purposes, especially for those studying the maturation profile of grain spirits over extended periods or comparing grain and malt whisky development. Its provenance and bottling style also make it a valuable addition to premium collections, appealing to collectors and investors alike who appreciate well‑matured, independently bottled Scotch.

Beyond its technical qualities, this bottling inspires confidence and satisfaction in the drinker. The combination of careful cask selection, extended maturation and natural presentation reinforces trust in the whisky’s authenticity and quality. Whether enjoyed neat in a tulip glass to highlight its aromatic complexity, or savoured slowly during a tasting session with fellow whisky enthusiasts, the North British 1988 – 32 Year Old offers a rich, rewarding and educational Scotch experience.

2. Product Details Table