Glen Albyn’s destiny is even worse than Glen Mhor’s. This distillery – also in Inverness – was also closed in 1983 and demolished to make room for a shopping center. But in Glen Albyn’s case, even the B&Q complex that resides there now is in ruins. There are not official bottlings bar this one: Glen Albyn 1975 in the Rare Malts Selection. For me, it is only the 4th and it has already been over four years since I last was able to try one.
The nose is fairly closed and offers only some heather, menthol and hard pears at first. Woodsmoke and some peppers, but also some honey after a while. But it needs time to breathe to reveal its secrets. A bit dusty with a huge acidity, which keeps me unconvinced at this point.
It is nicely oily on the palate, though, but also quite piquant. Some grasses, green herbs (cardamom!) and peppers, before the fruit can even start to shine. Agave? Truly, this is unexpected. Some citrus (lemon, oranges) and liquorice. Pears and Granny Smith apples. The wood does become quite loud quite quickly.
The finish is long and creamy; the peppers dry the mouth completely while the oak gives a warm, almost burning sensation. The death is salty.
Glen Albyn remains difficult for me. I would like to appreciate it more, but I just cannot. Thanks, Chris!
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