Second sample of the six offered by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society at their May 2023 outturn tasting event at Jack Rose Saloon. This one is a 19 year Glentauchers at 52.3% ABV, all maturation in a first fill ex-bourbon barrel.
Here are the official tasting notes:
The initial aroma suggested to us that this was a classical and rather old style highland malt whisky. Rich and toasty cereals were complimented by dried banana chips, soft notes of hessian, pithy citrus peels and expensive olive oil. Charismatic and deeply enticing. With water it evolved a deeply exotic edge with hedonistic notes of pineapple, chamois leather, coconut milk and sandalwood. The palate was immediately big, fruity and playful. Lots of melon, lemon curd, bramble leaf, eucalyptus oils, tiger balm salted honey and silky custard sweetness. Water evolved a more savoury aspect with miso, rice cakes, bouillon and then pollens, flowers and more pure exotic fruits.
Quite promising - expensive olive oil, eh? Charismatic? Enticing! All good. Let's dive into my notes:
Nose: Malty, funky, orchard fruit (cherries), grape, berries, cough drops.
Mouthfeel: Medium.
Palate: Lots of alcohol, malt, apples, tropical fruit (bananas), bread/toast, sugar, herbs (bitter).
Finish: Oak, herbs, cherry stones, a curious metallic note.
Verdict: Not bad. The age on this one really surprised me - it tastes much younger than 19 years - but the flavors all make sense together, and it's pleasant. It's weirdly hot for only 52.3%, but the alcohol doesn't ruin it. All in all this is quite a fruity, sweet dram and is worth exploring if you find it in the wild - but don't mortgage the house for it or anything.
No comments:
Post a Comment