Glen Elgin 20 Year Old 1995 The Single Cask (51.5%, Claxton’s, Refill HH #1609-1671, 294 Bottles, 2016)

Whisky Review

• Category: Speyside single malt scotch whisky
• Origin: Glen Elgin Distillery
• Bottling: Claxton’s
• ABV: 51.5%
• Cost: £91.42

What they say:

Glen Elgin is perhaps one of the lesser-known malt whisky distilleries in Scotland, despite having a strong following among whisky aficionados. Since its establishment in 1998, Glen Elgin quickly developed a very good reputation among blenders and is still a key ingredient in famous blends.
As is the distillery style, this cask is bursting with fruity flavours. Maturation for over 20 years in a refill hogshead has refined and added depth to the spirit, while still excellently showcasing the original fruity, yet weighty character.

NOSE:

Fresh and crisp with lime, melon and pears. Clover, Parma Voilets, honey and a slight smoky note.

PALATE:

Sweet citrus fruit and lavender with stronger coal fire. A crisp, clean mouth feel.

FINISH:

Medium. A sweet finish with clover and a touch of oak.

REGION: Speyside
DISTILLED: 08/11/1995
CASK TYPE: Refill Hogshead
CASK NO: 1609-1671
NO. OF BOTTLES: 294

What I say:

Many thanks to Adrian at Claxton’s for kindly providing this sample for review. A 20 year old Glen Elgin matured in a refill Hogshead.

Colour:

Antique 18ct gold (4/20), quick loose tears leave thick legs

Nose:

Gristy cereal barley, spiced woody oak, heather honey, orchard fruits; apple, pear, tropical fruits; banana and pineapple, ripe and sweet

Taste:

Sweet and floral with Geraniums (Pelargoniums!)/earthy, rose, Turkish Delight; rose & lemon citrus, biscuit malt, woody sugars and oak wood, banana fritters, pineapples; fried or toasted/caramelised sugars sweetness

Finish:

Long, lime & grapefruit citrus (almost NZ Hops-like) with herbal pine

Overall:

Very nice, full of tropical fruits, pine, pineapple and grapefruit, very reminiscent of NZ style Hops New World IPA type beer – quite distinct and unusual for whisky.

Score: 86/100

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