12 year old Glenburgie that’s been matured in a refill ex-bourbon barrel. View on SMWS
Nose: Lemon balm and Locket lozenges are played off against teak and sunflower oils. Herbalness supports with basil and mint leaves sitting with oven-baked pastry, under ripe mango and lychee. In the background, damp soils and breadiness. Reduction adds herb oils, chopped flower stems and malt loaf.
Taste: A combination of sweetness and umami. Simple syrup, Silver Shred lemon marmalade, chocolate nibs and agave are balanced against yeasty bread, hay, flax and water crackers. Water brightens things up with scattered orchard fruits, honey and stem ginger.
Finish: Short to medium in length with mentholated oak. Rather tannic - quite moisture sucking.
This Glenburgie offers a rather different outlook once diluted, but retains some interesting savoury/herbal flavours throughout. Alas, the cask is somewhat over-exposed in the finish which is seriously drying and requires a glass of water close to hand.