Review: Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition
Review: Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition
Cutty Sark, from Scotland, brings us this upscale bottling in celebration of… Prohibition? An American phenomenon? Bear with us. “Cutty Pro” as it’s being taglined, “salutes the notorious Captain William McCoy, who courageously smuggled Cutty Sark into American speakeasies. McCoy possessed an infamous reputation as a distributor of the highest quality products, always genuine and never adulterated, giving rise to Cutty Sark’s affectionate nickname, ‘The Real McCoy.’ The black opaque bottle design and cork seal are a respectful hat tip to the type of whisky bottles prevalent during the Prohibition era.”
You see: It’s what Scotch tasted like during Prohibition.
To be honest, this is not my favorite blend, or even my favorite expression of Cutty. The nose is thick, offering fuel oil notes, dense cereal, and some hospital character. The body is on the burly side — Prohibition-era drinkers had it rough, I suppose — though it speaks more of the bathtub than the frontier. A bit swampy and smoky, it’s got a cacophony of flavors that run the gamut from iodine to rock salt to wilted grains to tree moss. Where this takes me is not to a Prohibition-era speakeasy but rather an industrial town in Scotland where some wacky whisky blender is trying to figure out something to do with a bunch of random casks.
100 proof.
C+ / $30 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition
$30
I’ll grant you, it’s a little spirited – like putting a spoonful of pepper in your mouth – but they tell you right on the bottle to water it. Remember, they were selling to gangsters, who were bound to dilute it, so I figure it’s a concentrate. I use it to add a bit of pizzazz to my blends, especially if something seems a bit bland or boring. Even at 5%, added with an eyedropper, it cuts right through. Used properly, CS Pro is the cat’s meow.
I had a pretty different experience with this one than you did. I didn’t get nearly as much of the smoky, phenolic, and industrial notes – Vanilla and creamy cereals dominated the palate for me. It can be a bit boozy at first, but I find that adding a few drops of water and letting it sit in the glass for a few minutes really dials down the burn and opens up the other flavors.
I really love this blend, but to each their own!
The bottle came into for a photographic illustration. I enjoyed the bottle & graphics and futher have always enjoyed Cutty ice & water as a light, fitting summer drink. I also enjoy Isley in the cold of winter .. with just a splash on my excellent well water. Following a sound red with dinner. I’m impressed with a capable spirit as often I have expensive bottles around left from shoots. In unmatched antique crystal wide mouths for attitude. This is a good Cutty. Becoming very different with a little well water or a lot of good water with ice.. Familiar, but different. And pleasant to watch an old friend try to place. Not bottoms up stuff Interesting without pretention. To my taste, whatever cask were about looking for a home found on. And like MacArtur Park … my guess is the recipe won’t be found again. Can’t see an age … have heard about a period in bourbon casks etc. Seems a hint. Without an idea of time , I don’t worry about that stuff as this is reasonable enugh to buy & taste. At full price I perceive the value.