We’ve raved about Glenburgie releases before, often from The Whisky Exchange / Elixir Distillers. Their Black Friday 2019 release springs to mind (the best they’ve had so far, in my opinion), or Single Malts of Scotland cask #900896 for instance.
In the latest batch of Single Malts of Scotland whiskies there is this Glenburgie 1998, yet another sister cask. We have high hopes.
Glenburgie 22 yo 1998 (54,5%, Single Malts of Scotland 2020, hogshead #900902, 271 btl.)
Nose: I’m struck by a rummy note, or even something of tequila at first. A kind of green fruitiness, but it fades rapidly. Over time this becomes more ‘yellow’, more tropical as well. Lime, melons, papaya and pineapple. Vanilla biscuits. Hints of scented candles and honeysuckle. A classic Glenburgie combo.
Mouth: excellent fruitiness, in between a mid-1970s BenRiach and these undisclosed Bushmills. Think pink grapefruit, guava, passion fruits. Fresh apricots and honey. Jellied fruits as well, and some very light grassy touches towards the end. Maybe candied ginger.
Finish: long, still tropical, more on banana (with peel) and gentle oak spice.
Tropical fruits, some greener notes, light waxy touches, this is just outstanding. Did I mention mid-1970s BenRiach? Elixir Distillers is sitting on a perfect pile of Glenburgie, no doubt. Buy this if you have a chance, and keep an eye on sister casks. Now available from The Whisky Exchange, if you’re quick.