Glenburgie 14 Year (SMWS 71.79 "Adventurously Awesome")

 

This was the third of six samplings of the May outturn for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS") - a middle-aged Glenburgie, full of vanilla, chocolate, and bready notes! A gathering of about 30 people gathered at the Jack Rose Saloon in Washington DC to try and guess a blind tasting of the six drams. 

I know almost nothing about Glenburgie, which was established in 1810 as "Kilnflat." It assumed the current name "Glenburgie" in 1871. It's owned by Pernod Ricard, and most of it goes into Ballantine's and Old Smuggler blends. Here are the official notes:

The nose neat had plenty of chocolate; chocolate quince cake, dark cherry liqueur chocolates, chocolate dipped strawberries and Jaffa cakes. An adventure in flavour and heat on the palate neat, Mexican chipotle chilli, Tahitian vanilla and bourbon whisky made into a delicious deep syrup served over pancakes and blackberry fruit ice cream. When we added water, and it can take quite a bit, aromas of sappy pine needles, cinnamon and nutmeg appeared before the scent of a delicious prune and armagnac tart took centre stage. To taste now dark juice fruit gums, a mug of winter spice hot Ribena and dark chocolate key lime truffles.     

Hmmmm, this is pretty accurate (in hindsight). Let's dive in:

Nose: Vanilla bean ice cream, French toast, maple syrup, chocolate, cocoa, fudge. Very rich, very sweet. A dessert dram, for sure. 

Mouthfeel: Chewy, medium weight. 

Palate: Maple, chocolate brownies, bread, oak. Vanilla/toffee. Quite rich and sweet. 

Finish: Oak, cocoa dust/Nesquik, malt. 

Verdict: Surprisingly sweet from start to finish! Would be a great at the end of a very savory meal, as a counterpoint. A nice offering from little known Glenburgie. Worth considering.