The Good Dram Show Episode 646: ‘Thirty Something’ — a lineup of 30‑plus year Scotch whiskies

Episode 646 of The Good Dram Show is titled "Thirty Something." The episode's theme is simple and specific: every whisky tasted is 30 years old or older. Filming took place in The Study Nottingham. The episode was filmed and edited by Chris Goodrum.

This episode collects older single malts and independent bottlings in one tasting, giving viewers a direct comparison across age, origin, cask style and bottler approach. For collectors and drinkers curious about how mature Scotch presents across distilleries and independent labels, the episode offers concrete reference points.

The show features six bottlings. Each entry below lists the bottler or brand, the distillery where specified, the vintage or nominal age, and the stated ABV as provided in the episode information.

• Douglas Laing Xtra Old Particular Strathclyde 1987 — 30 years old — 50.5% ABV
• Douglas Laing Old Particular Carsebridge 1982 — 33 years old — 44.9% ABV
• Douglas Laing Xtra Old Particular Caol Ila 1980 — 36 years old — 57.4% ABV
• Lombard Jewels of Scotland Glen Keith 1985 — 30 years old — 41.9% ABV
• Glenglassaugh 30 year old — 44.8% ABV
• Benromach 35 year old — 43% ABV

Regional and style variety: The line-up includes a Lowland/Blended grain origin (Strathclyde and Carsebridge), a heavily peated Islay malt (Caol Ila), a Speyside/Highland example (Glen Keith), plus Glenglassaugh and Benromach — offering a mix of coastal, peated and more floral Speyside/Lowland-style flavours.

Practical takeaways for viewers and collectors

• Comparing independent vs official releases: expect differences in concentration, cask selection impact and flavour intensity.
• Use ABV as a quick guide to body and extraction: higher ABV examples like the Caol Ila (57.4%) will show more intensity and may respond differently to water.
• Age alone doesn't define character: the episode demonstrates how origin and cask history continue to shape the whisky despite extended maturation.

Filmed in The Study Nottingham and produced/edited by Chris Goodrum, the episode is presented as part of the regular Good Dram Show series hosted on WhiskyIntelligence.

The episode listing includes links for some producers: Douglas Laing (douglaslaing.com), Lombard (lombardscotchwhisky.com), Glenglassaugh (glenglassaugh.com) and Benromach (benromach.com).