The Whisky Exchange has just released two exclusive Connoisseurs Choice bottlings from Gordon & MacPhail.
The first is a Glenlivet 2003 from a bourbon cask, something you rarely see especially from independent bottlers. The other one is a Glenturret 2004 with a deep sherry colour.
Glenlivet 15 yo 2003
(59,4%, Gordon & MacPhail for TWE 2018, refill bourbon barrel, 176 btl.)
Glenlivet 15 yo 2003Nose: fresh garden fruits and typical (bourbon) wood markers. Vanilla biscuits. Apples, gooseberries, peaches. Raw barley notes, light acacia honey and spices (ginger, pepper). Orange peel.
Mouth: creamy texture, all very bright and fruity albeit quite sharp. Pineapple, grapefruits and apples, joined by peppery oak and nutmeg. Something of a bitter lemon note, including a fizzy touch and plenty of citrus peel.
Finish: medium, still this fizzy edge, with apples and spices. Hints of liquorice and anise.
Not very complex, but the citrusy fruits and balanced oak spices make this a fresh dram. Nadurra on steroids. Available exclusively from The Whisky Exchange.
Score: 85/100
Glenturret 14 yo 2004
(55,1%, Gordon & MacPhail for TWE 2018, refill sherry hogshead 18/083, 296 btl.)
Glenturret 14 yo 2004Nose: funky, meaty and sulphury start, boo. This moves towards chocolate pastry, caramel fudge, figs and bramble liqueur. Some porridge and mushrooms. Then back to rum & raisins, burnt sugar and smoking guns.
Mouth: sweet start but with a charred, slightly bitter backbone. Really meaty sherry. Chocolate truffles, prunes, hazelnuts, herbal notes and a brighter note of orange marmalade. Hints of cloves.
Finish: long, on coffee, toffee and oak spices.
This feels a little bloated and heavyweight, lacking fruits and brighter notes in general. Reminds me of the recent wave of Glenrothes 1997 bottlings (which so many people adore, I must add). Not my style. Two distilleries from the Edrington group indeed, same cooperage in Jerez maybe? Available exclusively from The Whisky Exchange.
Score: 80/100