Glen Elgin is considered to be top class whisky by blenders and is part of the White Horse blend. Together with Linkwood, Glenlossie and Mannochmore it forms the Elgin group. The distillery is relatively active and released an official 12 Years old, a 16 Years old and a few limited editions. There’s also a Glen Elgin 1998 in Diageo’s recent Managers Choice range.
Glen Elgin 31 yo 1975 (46%, Berry Bros. & Rudd 2007, cask #5167 & 5170)
Glen Elgin 31 yo 1975 (46%, Berry Bros. & Rudd 2007, cask #5167 & 5170)Nose: elegant and fruity. Lots of sweet honey and juicy melon with mellow spices (mostly cinnamon). A bit of dusty, warm oak – works really well. Hints of tangerine, beeswax and pollen. The lightest whiff of smoke. Heather. A real treat with a lot of depth.
Mouth: notes of roasted grains. Quite some fruits again, but dried, candied fruits and sultanas this time. Kiwi. Hints of liquorice and vanilla. Gets surprisingly smokey with woody undertones and spices. Slightly tannic and salty.
Finish: long and pretty complex. Oily, fruity and drying. Almonds and hints of leather.
This is an unusual Speysider (elegantly fruity but with hints of smoke), very dynamic despite the age. Obviously from two great casks. I’ve bought the last bottle I could find so good luck if you want one (try LMdW if you’re in France). Around € 125.
Score: 90/100