Chapter 19
My first Infrequent Flyers
I need to be very straightforward here: this is one of the best flights we had so far. No offense intended to any other tastings we made so far. I’m not talking about absolute value or value for money…this set of drams had the capability to hit a few sweet spots in such a short sequence, I felt like a boxer close to KO.
I’m so grateful to Alistair Walker (Leo’s Chapter 17) for these great products. More than ever, I encourage you all, when you see these labels on the shelves…give them a try…I’m confident they’ll be able to hit your sweet spots too, and maybe knock you off as well.
Here they are: my first infrequent flyers drams.
Glenglassaugh 2014 8 yo Virgin Oak - 59.1%
We started with a punch straight on the nose. 8 years old from Glenglassaugh. Single cask, cask strength at 59.1%, natural presentation, matured in a virgin oak barrel.
On the Nose: fresh white melon. Cherry under spirit like Mon Cheri. This is a feast of fresh fruit and peach iced tea. As it opens up streams of caramel fudge flowing up the nose.
Palate: Fragrant. More fruits but more strawberries and growing raspberries bushes.
Finish: sweet. Comforting. A far far away hint of peat…very sweet vanilla pod finish…rose water drops. Cured ham.
Overall: A proper summer dram. Almost temping to add an ice cube or serve it ice cold. We did not try. It needs no water, so well balanced and joyful. An extraordinary nose. At £62 in the UK a banger (or “na bomba” for our Italian fans).
Teaninich 2008 14 yo Rye Barrel - 55.6%
Have you ever tried a rye barrel? When you think you tried all…the whisky world is there to surprise you once again.
On the Nose: patchouli soap, mandarin, bergamotto, pickled anchovies. It needs some water, more than the previous one, interestingly. Spices appears: Sichuan pepper.
Palate: not too viscous. Loads of ginger punchyness.
Finish: it doesn’t stand out. Well balanced and rounded, but not as unique as the nose.
Overall: At £78 we would rather take the Glenglassaugh so far. Rye presence doesn’t stand out as we would have expected. A good dram. With this very high bar around, not our preference that’s all.
Glen Elgin 2007 15 yo Sauternes - 55.4%
This is one of my favourite distilleries from indi expressions. Distilled in 2007 finished in Sauternes hogshead. Bottled in March 2023 with only 262 bottles released at 55.4%. Always generous from Alistair.
On the Nose: it needs some time to open up. Layers of spices start to emerge with clove, garlic, nutmeg and pepper. Then citrus fruits: orange and mandarin. Oleander.
Palate: resin, pine cone and oily pine nuts. Lemon oil. Acidic.
Finish: astringent, acidic and cleansing lemon.
Overall: It needs some water and time, but then it goes on and on with decisive notes. Good value for money.
Craigellachie 2012 10 yo Madeira - 61.1%
Another punch when you think you’re in control. This 10 year old Creigallachie single cask has been distilled in 2012, rested in Madeira Hogshead, and bottled un-chill filtered, natural colour and cask strength in March 2023.
On the nose: freshly grated garlic. Cork and winey notes.
Palate: corned beef, almost wurstel (this is from Leo).
Finish: sweet and sour. Fairly long. Hints of almonds.
Overall: another amazing dram. It is really hard not to give a badge here. The level is so very high.
Tullibardine 2012 10 yo Valpolicella - 58.7%
This is for sure a finish to explore. You don’t see many around. Being Italian this triggers some emotions of course. Special is how to summarise this in a word.
On the Nose: vetrix, sulphurous, eggy. With time vanilla and streams of caramel. Subtle and intriguing.
Palate: very winey. A touch too winey for me, but it’s personal. More caramel and nutmeg.
Finish: not too long. Cinnamon and nutmeg.
Overall: Next to such a great flight, this doesn’t stand out straight away. Although we came back to it in isolation few days later, and it’s such an enjoyable dram. So much quality from them…but then…
Bowmore 1997 25 yo PX - 47.1%
Goodness me! The title says it all: Bowmore, 25 years old, PX.
On the Nose: Layers and layers of spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove. Hints of honeydew. Peated. Warm earthy peat. Pepper. Dates and sultanas.
Palate: Extremely refined. Subtle. Absinthe bitterness. Resin. Baked apple. More cinnamon and dried figs. Thick.
Finish: It will last forever. I still had it the next morning. Woody, resin. Spice and smoke.
Overall: easy badge. We are simply so grateful to Alistair for this unique opportunity of tasting such an amazing product. There is very little to add. An old Bowmore in the right cask and with natural presentation is an experience you must have on your whisky journey. Visiting Islay, and its great bars for a good place to hunt.
Drams
and more...
Today's drams
- Glenglassaugh 2014 8 yo Virgin Oak – 59.1%
- Teaninich 2008 14 yo Rye Barrel – 55.6%
- Glen Elgin 2007 15 yo Sauternes – 55.4%
- Craigellachie 2012 10 yo Madeira – 61.1%
- Tullibardine 2012 10 yo Valpolicella – 58.7%
- Bowmore 1997 25 yo PX – 47.1%