A long-time Dramble favourite. Glen Elgin is starting to see early signs of the traction that its spirit surely deserves. Sought after for blending and equally at home when presented naturally - where its long fermentation, high ester fruity character more often than not shines brightly.
A rather healthy ABV of 60.9% implies a somewhat quiet maturation of this single hogshead release of 296 bottles. Still available from The Whisky Exchange for £68.95.
Nose: Lemonade and lemon curd join supple toffee and praline chocolates whilst roasted hazelnuts sit with Rich Tea biscuits and touches of hay. Reduction introduces floral veins with Chablis wine, sultana bread and a move from Rich Tea toward digestives.
Taste: As expected…and hoped for. Crystalline lemons and creamy butter toffee sit with soft-peaked meringues and hot cross buns, whilst hazelnut is sacrificed for a more dried fruit profile which also incorporates shaved chocolate. Water here really pushes forward the creamy toffee character whilst also revealing press flowers and lingering grassiness.
Finish: Medium to long. White pepper and metholated oak expressed from the cask are joined by a sustained orchard/citrus linger.
I always have time for this profile and Watt Whisky’s latest offering from Glen Elgin doesn’t disappoint. Despite the high natural strength, this drinks excellently ‘as is’. Nevertheless, there’s obviously ample scope for dilution here – and this single cask release can certainly take plenty of it – rewarding the dilutor with oodles of lovely creamy toffee.