September 26, 2014

The Unlikely Duos Number Three

I have to say I find this set-up fun, I may go on for quite a while.

Glen Elgin 29 yo 1985/2014 (45.6%, Maltbarn, bourbon cask, 122 bottles)

In theory, Glen Elgin can be stellar, but we’ve also got duds in our glasses. Let’s see… Colour: pale gold. Nose: a pretty typical waxy honeyness that can also be found in Glen Ord if I’m not mistaken. I’m not against that. Old wardrobe, beehive, a drop of engine oil, leather, a touch of earth, half a touch of plasticine, some menthol (Vicks), a trace of tar (new tyre, in fact)… All to my liking, no dull ‘modern’ nose at all. Mouth: it’s surprisingly light – not weak at all of course – but it grows on you, with some white chocolate, banana skin, cough syrup, After Eights and always this wee waxiness that works so well and ads body and texture. Notes of hay wine, do you know that? They make it in the Vosges Mountains and it is… and acquired taste. Finish: much longer than expected, maltier as well, with notes of strong Trappist beer (the blackish ones) and again, a little mint. Comments: carbonnade flamande in a bottle. Google is your friend, my friend. SGP:461 - 87 points.

Good, which sibling? Another Glen Elgin? Too easy…

Glenallachie 9 yo 2004/2014 (50.7%, The Whisky Mercenary, Maltlover #1, Alex Agnew)

I have to say I haven’t understood much of the stories behind this neat little bottling. Nothing to do with Spiro Agnew, I guess… Colour: gold. Nose: ho-ho, it reminds of some ultra-young Aultmores. There’s more fudge than in fudge – including the fudge they’re selling to tourists near Eilean Donan Castle. And shortbread, white chocolate, custard, Ovaltine, Mars bars, millionaire shortbread… Well I’m sure you see what I mean. And it’s really likeable. With water: a fresh spiciness coming through. Root beer and tonic water plus maple syrup and gingerbread. Unusual and pleasant. Mouth: bigger now, always all on fudge and caramel, but the wood’s spices are making up for that side, and make the whole more complex. A kind of bourbon made out of a 100% malted barley mashbill, perhaps. With water: no, there’s some rye as well. What’s this? In any case, it’s fun fun fun. Finish: long, spicy, rooty and nutty. Reminds a bit of aged potstill vodka. Comments: modern and good. I repeat, this is modern and good. SGP:462 - 82 points.