Those are some nice finds Todd.
Taking them in turn,
Pinch 12yo - Nice drinking scotch - good malt flavor with a touch of sweetness. Had it again in October against a recent bottling, I liked the older style a little better, touch more spice. I think that they used more malt in the blend than grain whisky back then.
Note: being that these are 4/5 quart, and have the tax seal, they are Bottled before 1980... So for a 12yo you are talking about whisky from the 60s.
Hudson's - I had this one years ago - I don't remember much about it. It was a good dram - but nothing really stood out about it. One of those Scotches that tasted like scotch.
Note2: being before 1980 as well, these also use the old definition of Proof, so 86 proof - what we would call today 43%, was in the old days 50%. (proof = 7/4abv)
Ambassador: - I know I have seen this label at a whisky gathering, but cannot remember trying - will have to check my pictures, and notes. "Lightest" - makes it sound like mostly lowland malts in the blend.
Note3: It is interesting looking at old bottles that some of the Importers don't exist anymore - or at least in their current capacity.
ah the Ballentines: Just a good drink, I like it better than current day releases. More Malt content in the Blend and higher ABV than today. I cannot see it in the picture, but I assume that this also has a tax seal as well. This one is fun to get a current bottle and have head to head.
Matrin's - Have not seen - but Want..! Very rare to see a 20yo blend back in the day.
Don't know the Cognac..
I would open and enjoy - and if you wish to share them around, would be most honored to sample..
Cheers,
Mikey