North British distillery Was founded on the outskirts of Edinburgh and started production in September 1887 when it produced just under 1million litres of spirit during the remainder of that year. By the start of WWI production had increased to around 9million litres, but lack of cereals caused a cessation in production in 1917.  Distillation resumed in 1920, but the onset of prohibition caused another drop in production in 1925. Things picked up again after 1933 and by 1937 production was back to almost 9million litres per year. 1988 saw a record 61.6million litres of spirit being produced.

Brands Which contain North British grain whisky include Famous Grouse, J&B Rare, JW Black Label & Cutty Sark.

North British, Single grain whisky, 1992-2007, 43% ABV

Independent bottling; Private Cellar

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

"Dram-atics" live review

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Yellow gold (9ct)

Nose: Light vanilla but this is quite weak and not much else happens for a few minutes. As time passes some delicate floral notes appear alongside newly cut wood and a freshness which is almost minty toothpaste.

Palate: Creamy and smooth with a distinct lack of pepperiness. Also light vanilla and very faint toffee or caramel, but it really is faint.

Finish: Medium to long, slightly bitter.

Overall Impression: I like delicate drams and love light, aromatic and floral, but this is perhaps just a little too light as it needs more depth and presence. If anything, the most presence is on the finish which has a little kick but is also slightly bitter. Perhaps it would benefit from a good few more years in the cask.

North British, Single grain whisky, 1962, 48y, 47.9% ABV

Independent bottling; Whisky Agency

Typical cost of this bottle; unknown

This "Whisky Agency" independent bottling of North British single grain whisky was part of a "Whisky Agency" masterclass at the Munich whisky fair in February 2011. Apparently it was one of a very few bottles brought to the fair as the rest of this outrun has already been allocated to a customer in (I think) Holland or Belgium, hence the lack of a proper label on the bottle.

Glass: Munich whisky fair

Colour: Rich gold

Nose: Initially floral then including malt, oats and light butterscotch. Very aromatic!

Palate: Delightfully floral butterscotch.

Finish: Long, floral and gentle.

Overall Impression: Very, very good!

North British, Single grain whisky, 1991-2011, 20y, 55.8% ABV

Independent bottling for Master of Malt

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

"Dram-atics" live review

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Pale yellow

Nose: Aromatic floral butterscotch with some grasses, hay and just a hint of Brasso. The floral characteristics of the grasses and hay increase with time in the glass and are eventually joined by creamy vanilla.

Palate: Distinct butterscotch with some summer fruits (peach, apricot & papaya), all with an over-riding pepperiness.

With 4 drops of water: The nose is even more aromatic with grasses, hay and butterscotch. Thankfully the Brasso has now disappeared. The palate has more fruit and butterscotch, plus some toffee and much less pepperiness.

With a further 4 drops of water: More wood and vanilla on the nose now. The palate is again more smooth and floral.

Finish: Long with mostly butterscotch and fruit although there is a slight pepperiness right at the end.

Overall Impression: I do like a good single grain and this is no exception. Very enjoyable.