More red wine this month with this 20 year old Glenlossie matured for 19 years in a refill hogshead then re-racked into a 2nd fill charred barrique. Old & dignified profile.
Nose: A juxtaposition of sweet vs. savoury – Turkish Delight, orange marmalade and fruit wine gums sit alongside toasted bread, green peppers and thai lemongrass. In the background, hung laundry, blackberries and blackcurrants along with some aromatic and exotic spicing. Dilution added further lemon as well as stone fruits – peach and apricot.
Taste: Syrupy with old wood, polish, leather and bung cloth. The fruit backdrop is primarily red berry based with strawberry and raspberries – though there are touches of pear and lemon peels added into the mix. The mid and back palates focus more on patisserie with tart cases and freshly baked buns. Water has a softening effect, adding tinned juicy fruits alongside biscuits and a slight nuttiness.
Finish: Long with toasted nuts, orange zest and a sprinkle white pepper.
This Glenlossie has an interesting offset nose, but it’s on the palate where it really delivers – marrying sweet fruitiness from the wine influence along with well-judged, balanced maturation from the previous refill hogshead. The result is rather the tasty whisky and at £82, this is certainly easy to recommend.