If I was pressed to name a single distillery as my absolute favourite, it would have to be Glen Elgin. Fruitiness galore, with impeccable spirit quality. An important factor is my experience with two bottles, one from A.D Rattray and the other from Asta Morris, drawn from sister casks with the same 1995 distil date, both of which have the same ineffable and unique fragrance that totally enchants me. Several other Glen Elgin experiences also remain with me in memory, a 19yo from RMW, a 21yo from Cadenhead’s, both of which have certain bittersweet and nostalgic connotations with a life left behind. In this review I’m finishing off the Asta Morris, but no sorrow — I have spare bottles from this glorious vintage, to enjoy occasionally, as a constant olfactory thread from my late adolescence to my last days.
Glen Elgin • 18yo • 54.8% • Diageo Special Releases 2017
Scotch Single Malt • Ex-Bodega European oak butts • ~€250 online • WB🔗
Tasting notes from a 5cl sample bottle over two sittings
Nosing
Floral, fruity, and custardy, with some exotic elements. There is grassiness and flowers, lemon grass, fruits in the form of conserved pears and mild banana, some white wine, honey, and pudding, as well as nuts, a drop of sesame oil, a tiny hint of grilled, fatty meat, and some oakiness towards the end. Very juicy and summery, and I really enjoy it.
Sipping
Juicy oak with lots of sweet pear. Sweet palate with substantial mouthfeel, some bitterness adds structure. Flavourwise, leans heavily on the pear aromas (“Piggelin” ice cream), and throw in some winegums too. But it is yummy. Some mild leather and tobacco notes whizz past.
Overall
Really tasty, fruity, oak juice, but a less special than other vintage GEs.
Deliciousness
Fun factor
Value for money
Punchline
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🔴🟡⚫
Piggelin
Glen Elgin • 24yo (1995) • 49.1% • Asta Morris
Scotch Single Malt • ex Bourbon casks • Unchillfiltered • €145 but now sold out • WB🔗
Tasting notes from the last two drams of a 70cl bottle
Nosing
Crisp, grassy, fruity and singular. It has a particular floral aroma that I’ve only experienced in another 1995 Glen Elgin cask — I could spot it a blind tasting with any other whisky I ever had. The best I can do to describe it is to list various things: elderflower, cracked coriander, grass, clementines, pina colada, granny smith apples, trace of minerality. This nose touches me deeply.
Sipping
More than medium sweet, with engagement from a grassy bitterness that just brings the palate to life. Malty, even a bit toasty/smoky, and lots of juicy oak.
Overall
This is my whisky.
Deliciousness
Fun factor
Value for money
Punchline
⚫⚫🟢
⚫🟡🟢
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Glourious Glen Elgin
❤️
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