Based in 1875, shuttered in 1986, and reopened in 2008, Glenglassaugh has steadily launched restricted shares of pre-1986 barrels in tandem with their aged new distillate. (A 50 yr previous expression aged in a PX sherry cask hit the market round two years in the past.) Their newest restricted launch boasts an eye-popping 46 yr age assertion and comes from a single ex-bourbon cask chosen by Grasp Blender Rachel Barrie.
Apparently, it is a U.S.-only launch, distilled in 1975 and in the end bottled at 41.7% abv. (One wonders how for much longer it may stand till the cask dropped under the 40% authorized threshold.) Maybe as catching because the age assertion is the urged retail value: A cool $4,800 for an individually numbered, wax-sealed bottle.
For now, Glenglassaugh is holding quiet on what number of different, related casks they maintain in reserve, merely calling this launch “one of many oldest and rarest expressions” amongst their inventory.
Nonetheless, it’s not every single day a whisky like this slides throughout the desk, so let’s dive in. How form had been practically 5 a long time to this Highland single malt?
I used to be bombarded with wealthy tropical fruit earlier than I even imply to odor the whiskey; it’s that evident pouring from the pattern bottle. Nosing nearer, papaya and mango are dominant, with a light-weight undercurrent of mint. There’s only a trace of baking spice, as if somebody dusted the aforementioned fruit with cloves. A little bit of oak and the presence of the bourbon cask are there, however whereas there are notes of wooden, it doesn’t threat chopping into or overpowering the wealthy fruit.
It is a fruit bonanza on the tongue, fresh-cut tropical fruits adopted ever so slowly by Pink Girl apples. A noticeable salinity does work in holding these flavors from tipping over into saccharine. These candy, vibrant flavors transition into floral and minty, like recent mulled mint on the backside of a julep. Revisiting for a second sip, this welcomingly drinks bolder than its 83.4 proof implies, permitting the flavors to take a seat properly and evenly throughout the tongue.
The end is without delay mild, decadent, and cooling, and I can’t assist however examine the feeling to consuming sherbet with — once more — a sprig of recent mint as garnish. The candy fruit and mint play collectively properly till a ripe papaya resonates on the very finish, sitting evenly on the palate and alluring you in for one more sip. That salinity may stick round only a tad too lengthy for some, however that’s mild criticism on a pour that principally sticks the touchdown.
On the finish, I sat with my nostril practically absolutely jammed into the now-empty Glencairn, making an attempt to choose aside extra aromas and dissect precisely which fruits had been coming throughout in fast succession.
With a whisky this balanced and complicated, it’s doubtless an unimaginable activity. An almost-flawless expression, and one I really feel assured giving one in every of my highest scores to this point.
83.4 proof.
A / $4800 / glenglassaugh.com
Glenglassaugh 46 Years Outdated
$4800
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