Glenburgie 1995 / 21 Year Old / Signatory

Here is another one of those casks selected by – and bottled fort he 10th Anniversary of – Belgian importer The Nectar. This Glenburgie – the so-called fingerprint malt of Ballantine’s – came from the warehouses of Signatory, near Pitlochry, and was bottled at cask strength.

The nose starts fairly closed, but be patient. It is worth it. After a few minutes of breathing and hand warmth, this Glenburgie evolves towards the tropical side of the spectrum. Unripe banana goes hand in glove with sugar candy, lime flanks pineapple and vanilla embraces mint. Autumn leaves and wild flowers. Perfumy, but in the good sense. Excellent.

It is oily on the palate, a bit candy-like on Turkish Delight and quite spicy. Dried fruits like apricots and passion fruit join the banana, the autumn leaves remains and the spices become quite loud. The mint keeps it fresh, while the fruite evolves towards the candied variety. Fruit tea. Dark honey. Pineapple cubes, sugared orange peel and kiwi. This is heavenly.

The medium long finish puts the spices in the spotlight once more and leaves the mouth somewhat dry.

This was only my 15th Glenburgie to date, but certainly one of the best I tried so far. Especially the nose, if you are patient, is out of this world. Thank you, Joey, for the sample!

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