Glen Albyn 27 Year Old 1981 Signatory

The last Glen Albyn that I will try today is also bottled by Signatory, albeit in their Cask Strength Collection. Grandma just loves to use those wonderful decanters for her olive oil after I have finished the whisky. This one was distilled on 16 January 1981 and bottled on 13 January 2009, so is actually 3 days shy of being a 28 year old.

Ah, now that is a good nose. It starts off with the classic grasses, but immediately quite a bit of fruit kicks in. Apples, lemon and even some fresh pineapple. Hints of quinine. Mint too. Some wet clay. Never had that before. The apples evolve towards the skins of the sour Granny Smith. Some vanilla in the background. Fresh and enjoyable. Adding water makes it a bit farmy, giving it some nice character.

It is creamy and fruity on the palate. Apples and pineapples are joined by oranges and lychee. It reminds me a bit of lychee wine, which I have tasted in a Chinese restaurant. Touch of chlorophyll too. Not bad at all. Loads of ginger, tough. Adding water makes it lose the fruitiness and brings out the minty character.

The finish is long, sweet and grassy with loads of woodspice.

What a pleasant surprise! So Glen Albyn does make some good malt after all. Takes water well.

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