18 July 2017

16/07/2017 A random few drams

Well, almost random.

Glen Moray-Glenlivet 25yo 1991/2017 (51.4%, Cadenhead Authentic Collection, Bourbon Hogshead, 246b): nose: pencil lead, dusty cellars, dry earth, then the interior of a wardrobe. Rather austere, this. Further, it is plastic wrapping (shrinkwrap), then green hazelnuts, fresh almond paste, cooked cherries and furniture polish -- "does it open up, then?" I hear you ask; yes, yes, it does. Much later on, a leathery note appears too. Mouth: bitter, peppery, with some quite potent lemon juice. Crisp apples join the game, wood, bitter orange juice. A gingery heat grows in intensity. Finish: dried apples and dried mangoes accompany a gently woody note. The whole is well balanced. It seems pretty chalky and drying, yet it is augmented by a slightly fruity aftertaste and a drop of honey. 8/10 (Thanks for the sample, SW)

Glentauchers-Glenlivet 26yo 1989/2016 (48.2%, Cadenhead Authentic Collection, Bourbon Barrel, 108b): nose: aromatics in the kitchen, as lunch is being prepared (thyme, dried sage), a thyme infusion, a rabbit casserole, stewing slowly on the hob, steamed carrots, a metallic colander, recently used to drain boiling water. Even a touch of game-y leather comes forth in the back of the nose, cloaked in fine smoke. Behind it all, shy orchard fruits struggle to make themselves heard. Mouth: thyme and citrus, dried sage too, subtle. Lukewarm milk, a bit of chalk, and a very good alcohol balance. It seems stronger than 50%. Finish: a surprising onslaught of fruit, both fresh (peaches), in compote (apples) and in jam (greengages). The gently drying chalk note subsides, discreet. The dominent is the fruit, though -- grapes, apples, peaches and greengages. This is very good! 8/10 (Thanks for the sample, SW)

Glentauchers-Glenlivet 25yo 1989/2015 (53.3%, Cadenhead Small Batch, Bourbon Barrels, 378b):  nose: melon skins, faded leather, sun-drenched earth, after a short rain, cut apples, ground almonds, prunes, before it finally opens up to reveal all sorts of fruits: peaches, bananas, rosehip. Then, syrupy wine comes to the fore, briefly. Eventually, burnt wood makes a discreet appearance, alongside a few herbs. Mouth: fruity and hot. Hot apricot compote, stewed prunes, soft peaches, nectarines, nectarine peels, fruit stones (yes, it is gently bitter) and sage. Finish: a vague bitterness that soon gives way to more fruit (peaches and nectarines) and fruit stone. It is velvety and warming, with a mild, metallic touch (sage again). Good, but the 26yo is more to my taste. 7/10 (Thanks for the sample, SW)

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