CWS is Chief Whisky Society, a non-profit developing the whisky culture in China. It is the largest group of whisky lovers in the red country, with over 50,000 members and 200 whisky bars.
They sent me a sample package with their latest bottlings (thank you), all quite interesting, most of them official bottlings, with some unexpected surprises like this Glen Garioch 1979.
Glen Garioch 38 yo 1979
(42,9%, OB for CWS 2017, first-fill sherry butt #3831, 114 btl.)
Glen Garioch 38 yo 1979Nose: a very fragrant Glen Garioch, with a mix of geraniums and old roses, eucalyptus and a lot of resinous notes. Pine trees. This could work as an air freshener. Subtle peat, red berries and leather.
Mouth: soapy. Not the worst example but we’re slightly allergic to this lavender-like, perfumed side. Too bad,because there’s also a nice side of walnuts, tar, fruit tea and herbs. Seville oranges, a little menthol and liquorice. Plus a hint of salt.
Finish: perfumed, with oaky notes and plenty of spices.
This is not a cask that I would have selected. This profile will be difficult to appreciate, especially to those who know the flaws of 1980s Bowmore distillations. Again, not the worst example of this style, just not my cup of tea.
Score: 77/100