The Whisky Exchange recently presented a couple of exclusive Signatory Vintage bottlings. One of them is a Glenlivet 2007, from the same pool of #900xxx casks that have been applauded more than once before. Contrary to most others this seems to be a large butt though, not a hogshead.
Glenlivet 13 yo 2007 (65,3%, Signatory Vintage for The Whisky Exchange 2020, first-fill sherry butt #900243, 625 btl.)
Nose: Swedish rye bread with prunes, dark cherries and tobacco notes. A good dose of aromatic wood as well, think cigar boxes. Chestnuts and toffee. Rubbed leather. Chocolate cake with candied ginger and cinnamon. A modern sherry bomb style.
Mouth: too hot when taken neat, almost entirely on chilli and ginger, black tea and oak char. Water helps, it brings out Cherry Heering, spiced raisins and lots of toffee notes. Walnuts and dark roast coffee, as well as bitter chocolate and still these slightly fragrant hints of wood. Heavy sherry and heavy charring, I would say.
Finish: long, slightly minty. Leathery notes, dried fruits and peppery oak.
Totally massive (and clean) sherry: dark fruits and dark, spicy oak. I felt there was a little more charred bitterness than in previous casks, but you might argue this is fitting for a true sherry bomb. Very good. Only available from The Whisky Exchange.