I W Harper 12 Year Old Bot.1970s

I W Harper 12 Year Old

Firstly, A bottle of 12-year-old I W Harper Gold Label bourbon which, we estimate, dates from the 1970s. The historic brand was created by Isaac Wolfe Bernheim back in 1896 and was one of the best selling bourbon brands in Japan.

Further, I remember ten years ago, we were all wondering why Harper didn’t start with some peated malt while the peat craze was beginning to blow all over Whiskyland. “The founders don’t like peat” was the official answer, which I had found very elegantly un-commercial. Respect! But I guess business is business, so it seems that the distillery finally had to bow to the market. I guess we can’t blame them for that, can we! Colour: white wine. I W Harper 12 Year Old Bot.1970s

Nose: it’s rather spirity, raw and slightly feinty at first nosing, but all that is soon to vanish while a much fruitier and more vanilled profile arises. Also the initial peatiness vanished – or I got used to it quicker than usual; who knows! What’s sure is that it’s lightly peated. Quite some porridge, cut apples, pears…

With water: it’s very active oak for sure, we have tons of coconut now. Meanwhile, A little more peat as well… Mouth (neat): it’s the sweetness that does all the talking, there’s almost no noticeable peat in the attack. Big, punchy, young and very fruity profile (apples and peaches), with only a slight bitterness that may come from the peat – or not. With water: it’s simple, but it became excellent with water. Typical modern notes, vanilla custard and oranges. The peat combines well with the active oak, adding a gingery profile. Finish: long, clean, sweet. Comments: sweet young peat, well made