A new batch of bottlings by Maltbarn is coming up. The selection is younger and more accessible – a willy-nilly trend among independent bottlers. Glenrothes 1990, Clynelish 1998, Littlemill 1992, Bowmore 2001 and this 23 years old Glenburgie 1989.

As you know, these releases are available from three sources only: directly from Maltbarn, Whiskybase and Jurgen’s Whiskyhuis.

Glenburgie 23 yo 1989 (52,6%, Maltbarn 2012, bourbon barrel, 115 btl.)

Nose: bright with sweet barley sugar and lots of summer fruits. Nectarine, pear, strawberries. There’s also a nervousness of fresh herbs, apple peel and gentle oak spices. Soft vanilla too. Mouth: sweet and fruity again. Unripe plums, lemon and rhubarb. Vanilla and coconut with rather obvious grainy notes of pure barley. A bigger grassiness now, with more oak, walnut skin and a slightly tangy / peppery kick before moving back to late milk chocolate. Finish: medium long, with fruits, grains and drying oak.

A Glenburgie with a bright fruity side but also a modern oak-driven part. Around € 105.

Score: 86/100