AROMA
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Distilled in: 2015 |
Bottled in: 2024 |
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Distillery: Glenburgie |
Cask type: 1st fill oloroso |
Tasting notes: Peach, raisins, pecan, tobacco
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ABV: 52.4% |
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Estimated shipping date: Early October 2024 |
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THE DISTILLERY
The history of the Glenburgie distillery is a tumultuous one with many stops and starts. The distillery was founded by William Paul in 1810 in Forres, Morayshire under the name of Kilnflat, although it was only in 1829 that the first spirit was produced. The distillery closed in 1870 and lay unused until 1878 when Mr. Charles Kay revived it under the name of Glenburgie. In 1884 Alexander Fraser & Co took over the distillery, controlling the site’s operations until the company filed for bankruptcy in 1925, resulting in the distillery lying quiet for another two years. The next decade was fraught with mergers, mothballing and production halts, as the distillery continued to change ownership. Production eventually restarted in 1936, when Hiram Walker bought the distillery.
In 1958, two Lomond stills were installed which were used to produce another single malt, Glencraig. Although occurring on the same premises, production of the two spirits,was kept completely separate.
In 1987 the distillery was purchased by Allied Lyons, which would later become part of the Pernod Ricard group. In 2004 the original distillery was demolished and replaced with an entirely new building. The distillery is focused on single malts used for blending and has a long-standing tradition of aging solely in sherry casks (as used to be the case with other famous Speyside distilleries such as Macallan). Glenburgie’s make is almost entirely used as a valuable ingredient for Pernod Ricard’s signature Ballantine’s blend. Therefore offerings of Glenburgie single malts are rare and far between which makes this syndicate special.
THE WHISKY
This syndicate is a quintessential expression of Glenburgie aged for 9 years in a 1st fill Oloroso cask.
On the nose the Glenburgie is sweet as could be expected from a whisky aged in a 1st fill sherry cask, releasing notes of ripe peaches and raspberries, raisins and pecans.
The sweetness of the nose is offset by the spirit’s first impact on the palate: leather, blond virginia tobacco and white pepper. It is only after the second sip that you feel the balsamic notes of the underwood (but not mushrooms).
The finish is medium/long, persistent and dry.
This is a great dram to nurse and nose often in order to experience all its nuances because once you sip it, it will be difficult to stop. Trust your nose and take your time!
