Glen Elgin 24 Years Review/Tasting
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: This whisky hails from Glen Elgin, located in the southeast of Elgin, the capital of Speyside, Scotland.
- Type: It is a single malt Scotch whisky.
- Distillation and Maturation: The whisky was matured in a Sherry Butt, emphasizing its rich and complex flavor profile.
- Age Statement: It is 24 years old, indicating a long maturation period that contributes to its depth of flavor.
- Color and Clarity: While not explicitly described, the whisky is uncolored, suggesting its color is naturally derived from the sherry cask maturation.
- Bottle Design and Packaging: The whisky is part of the Dun Wagon series by an independent bottler, McLeod. The series name and connection to the Isle of Skye add a unique touch to its presentation, though specific bottle design details are not mentioned.
- ABV: It is bottled at cask strength, 52.7% ABV, indicating a robust and intense flavor profile.
- Production Details: The cask number is 8291, with an outcome of 488 bottles, highlighting its rarity. It is unchill-filtered, preserving its natural flavors and textures.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Initial Impressions: The whisky exhibits a strong alcoholic note due to its high ABV, with dominant sherry and oakiness, followed by vanilla and caramel.
- After Dilution: Adding a bit of water opens up the whisky, revealing fresher, juicier orange aromas, enhancing the vanilla, and introducing a slight bitterness reminiscent of dark chocolate and oak.
- Complexity and Balance: The flavor evolves from dark, oaky, and mature to lighter, fruitier notes, ending with a bitter coffee or espresso finish. The balance between the sherry influence, fruitiness, and oak-induced bitterness creates a rich and complex tasting experience.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery Background: Glen Elgin is noted for its contributions to several blends in the whisky industry, often operating behind the scenes. Its recent original bottling of an 18-year-old variant has brought it more into the spotlight.
- Independent Bottling: This particular bottle is an independent bottling by McLeod in its Dun Wagon series, which draws a connection to the Isle of Skye and the historical McLeod's Castle, adding a layer of historical intrigue.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Speyside Heritage: Being from Speyside, this whisky carries the prestige and tradition of one of Scotland's most renowned whisky-producing regions.
- Isle of Skye Connection: The Dun Wagon series' link to the Isle of Skye and the McLeod's Castle adds a narrative of Scottish history and heritage to the whisky.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "This is a full mature 24 years of age...cast in the sherry but this leaves marks on the whiskey."
- "A really, really a good one."
Summary
- A 24-year-old single malt Scotch whisky from Glen Elgin, Speyside, matured in a Sherry Butt.
- Bottled at cask strength (52.7% ABV), uncolored, and unchill-filtered.
- Flavor profile evolves from strong sherry and oak to lighter, juicier orange and vanilla notes, with a finish of dark chocolate and bitter coffee.
- Part of the Dun Wagon series by McLeod, linking it to the Isle of Skye and Scottish history.
- Described as a complex, mature, and intensely flavorful whisky.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complexity and maturity of this whisky make it an excellent choice for experienced drinkers who appreciate the nuances of a well-aged single malt.
- For the Sherry Cask Enthusiast: Those who enjoy the rich, fruity, and spicy notes typical of sherry cask maturation will find this whisky particularly appealing.
- For the History and Culture Buff: The connection to the Isle of Skye and the narrative around the Dun Wagon series add an extra layer of interest for whisky drinkers who enjoy a story with their sip.