Glen Ord distillery is a giant in the Diageo family: it has a large capacity as well as a maltings plant that produces for other Diageo distilleries. Most of the distillation is blended into Johnnie Walker, although there is an official release named Singleton of Glen Ord and a few limited editions.
This 1999 single cask was bottled by Malts of Scotland from a bourbon hogshead.
Glen Ord 11 yo 1999 (54,5%, Malts of Scotland 2010, cask #31212, 289 btl.)
Glen Ord 11 yo 1999 (54,5%, Malts of Scotland 2010, cask #31212, 289 btl.)Nose: quite malty and neutral at first. Then a fruity side develops (peach, grapefruit, guava) together with a slightly waxy / flinty side. Linseed oil. A little Provence herbs (thyme and rosemary) and oak. Nothing exceptional and quite compact, I have the feeling I need to drag most of these flavours out of it. A bit of water makes it more fragrant and a bit easier though.
Mouth: powerful but still a rather malty attack. Again a nice fruitiness (apple, even more tropical fruits like pineapple). Almonds and vanilla. Nutmeg. Honey. Some ginger. Overall a little rough and alcoholic maybe.
Finish: medium length. Rather sweet and spicy but quite simple.
Not exactly my type of whisky but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it either. I’m sure I would have prefered this at an older age.
Slightly less than € 50.
Score: 83/100