Glenglassaugh 1978 27 Year Old Artist Edition

I visited the Whisky Fair in Limburg for the very first time in 2018. What a blast, indeed. And every self-respecting festival has its own bottling. Whisky Fair has several each year and this is one of them, albeit from many years ago. This Glenglassaugh – with a gorgeous label, I might add – was launched in 2009. The whisky had matured for 27 years on a sherry cask, but was still bottled at a whopping 56.8% ABV.

At first, the nose offers unbaked bread and gooseberries – a strange combination, but not unpleasant. After a few moments, that evolves towards white chocolate with honey and grass. Something metallic, but without being disturbing. Light and aromatic. Spring in your glass!

The arrival is powerful, without scorching. Apples (Granny Smith), but in a liqueur. Loads of walnuts, some honey and oranges. Reminds me a bit of Cointreau, but more refined and without sticking to your teeth, if you know what I mean. I find it quite surprising that after 27 years, it seems I can still taste the barley. But the influence of the sherry cask is hard to discern. Having said that, this is a delicious whisky.

Only in the finish do I get some sherry notes in the guise of a spicy spirit with pepper, apples and honey.

Quite middle-of-the-road for its age, but maybe the wood was tired? Quite naked… although that may sound a bit silly. Anyway, thanks for the sample, Timon!

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