Inver House Green Plaid Imported 1lt 1970s
100cl / 43%
£99.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Scotland
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A substantial 1970s export-market blended Scotch bottling, representing the high-volume ambition of Inver House Distillers during a period of corporate transition.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Inver House Distillers Ltd. / Airdrie, North Lanarkshire / Scotland |
| Category | Blended Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | Not age-stated / Bottled 1970s |
| ABV & Size(s) | Variably 40% or 43% ABV / 100cl (1 Litre) |
| Cask / Treatment | Not stated by the producer (Blend of Grain and Malt whisky components) |
| Natural Colour | Medium to light gold |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Likely chill-filtered) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (High-volume export release) |
| Intended channel | International export markets (USA, Latin America, Travel Retail) |
| Packaging | Standard glass bottle, typically with a screw cap |
| Notes on discrepancies | ABV conflict between 40% and 43% exists across market releases; 43% is often labelled "Rare Blended Scotch Whisky". |
Historical Context
Inver House Distillers (IHD) was established in 1964 as a subsidiary of the American conglomerate, Publicker Industries. The 1970s were crucial for IHD, and the Green Plaid brand was already established as a top 10 blended Scotch whisky brand in the critical US market.
This 1970s Green Plaid blend is historically significant because the liquid contained within necessarily includes malt and grain components sourced internally from Glen Flagler and Garnheath. Both of these distilleries were later closed in the mid-1980s. Therefore, this 1L bottling contains an irreplaceable historical blend of silent still components, significantly elevating its interest for specialized collectors focused on extinct liquid profiles.
The 100cl (1 Litre) volume further confirms this expression's intended distribution channel as a high-volume export release, typically targeting travel retail or bulk importation routes.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The defining technical characteristic of this 1970s Inver House Green Plaid is its substantial 1 Litre volume. A critical assessment must address the variability in alcohol strength.
Source material indicates that bottlings from this 1970s era were released at both 40% ABV and 43% ABV (86 Proof). This stratification was typically due to specific market requirements, with the higher 43% ABV often maintained for key US export regions. This 43% version is frequently associated with the "Rare Blended Scotch Whisky" designation. For the contemporary collector, the 43% ABV bottling is intrinsically more valuable due to its increased proof and the perceived higher quality often implied by the 'Rare' designation.
Documented variants
40% ABV, 100cl: Standard global export version.
43% ABV, 100cl: 'Rare Blended Scotch Whisky' version, often targeting premium export markets.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 100cl | Global Export | Standard label | Standard availability |
| 43% | 100cl | Specific Export | 'Rare Blended Scotch Whisky' text | Higher, due to greater proof and implication of better component blend |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
As a high-volume, 1 Litre bottling from the 1970s, the closure mechanism is typically a metal screw cap sealed beneath a foil capsule.
Authenticity confirmation requires careful review of the label, specifically the ABV figure and the presence of the "Rare Blended Scotch Whisky" text if assessing the premium 43% variant.
The greatest risk for this specific format is the level of evaporation (ullage). Screw caps on high-volume, lower-ABV spirits from the 1970s are particularly susceptible. Collectors must prioritise bottles with very high fill levels (VHF) or at least Very Low Re-fill (VLR), as fill levels significantly below the shoulder are highly indicative of oxidation and liquid degradation.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The Inver House Green Plaid is a standard Blended Scotch Whisky. The significance of the 43% ABV variant is a technical preference for richer flavour density in a vintage blend, appealing to connoisseurs who appreciate higher proof points in older whiskies.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The liquid profile of the Green Plaid blend was designed to be smooth and accessible. Its historical distinction arises from the inclusion of unique malt and grain components.
Colour: The appearance is noted as medium to light gold.
Nose: The nose offers a fragrant core of barley malt, augmented by sweet citrus aftertones. Further nosing reveals notes of almonds, light honey, and faint hints of oak and sherry influence.
Palate: The initial taste is light and smooth, characterised by clear flavours of toffee and vanilla tones. While sweet initially, the palate quickly transitions to a slightly dry and tangy mid-section, exhibiting nuances of herbs and yellow plum.
Finish: The conclusion is short to medium in length, leaving a persistent, lingering woody note.
With water: Tasting notes regarding the addition of water are not stated by the producer.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Inver House Distillers (IHD) in the 1970s operated as a large, integrated producer managing both malt and grain distilleries (Glen Flagler and Garnheath) in addition to blending operations. Its historical profile as a dominant supplier of high-volume export blends, exemplified by Green Plaid, remains highly relevant to the collector market focused on historical blending components.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: Target the 100cl 43% ABV version as the format offering the best technical specification and historical intrigue.
Red flags to avoid: The most significant red flag is low ullage. Avoid any bottle where the fill level is noticeably low.
Condition thresholds: Absolute minimum condition requires a Very Low Re-fill (VLR) or better level. Pristine labels and verifiable export markings enhance value significantly.
Margin/velocity expectations: Moderate velocity is typical for niche vintage blends. Higher margins can be achieved for exceptionally well-preserved examples sourced from specific foreign markets.
