Well-aged Glenlossie is always on my lgo-to list. This 25 year old was laid down in November 1992 in a refill ex-bourbon hogshead.
Nose: A riot of lively fruitiness - spit-roasted pineapples, mango, lychee, white grapes and melon – bound together by delicate lemony-polish, pink water biscuits and Victoria sponge cake. Deeper, freshly-baked white bread, yeasty beer and bourbon biscuits add additional well-judged nuance. Reduction adds sweet Danish pastries, fluffy American pancakes and a scattering of coffee grounds.
Taste: Rich, syrupy and tremendously fruity – Mango, guava and pineapple with apple tart and apricot flan. The mid-palate reveals developing spiciness with cinnamon, nutmeg and white pepper dusted atop biscuit crumbs, before the back-palate delivers a coal-esque bite. The addition of water unlocks polished wood tables and vanilla icing whilst adding a creamy, full-fat icecream into the mix.
Finish: Medium to long with fading juicy tinned fruits (mango and orange) and well-aged woodiness.
This Glenlossie delivers exactly that a quarter of a century of quality maturation should – vibrant fruits, lovely lacquered wood surfaces and sweet, textural creaminess. Despite not needing dilution, it nevertheless takes it well, offering a wider array of sugary treats and carefully judged oak influence. An archetypal mature Lossie and my pick of the month.