20 March 2017

19/03/2017 Two recent drams

It has been pretty quiet for a month, now. After the event in Glasgow, I needed a bit of a detox. Besides, the two events I was invited to since, I could not make. That includes the March outturn at Cadenhead's. Hm. I still managed to get my hands on some of the offerings for an out-of-sync tasting.

Glenlossie-Glenlivet 23yo 1993/2017 (53%, Cadenhead Authentic Collection 175th Anniversary, Bourbon Hogshead, 216b): for the 150th anniversary, the bottles had received a different livery altogether. Not so, this time, yet each bottle comes in a special edition box and has a metal tag attached to it. It is a special release indeed. Anyone who follows this blog will know I have a soft spot for Cadenhead's Glenlossies, so this is interesting indeed. Nose: old vinegar, kept in a wooden larder, brine. The vinegar speaks louder and louder -- it is not a horribly acidic one, rather subtle, the kind that would work a treat in a vinaigrette. Polished dashboards and a little old wax. Far in the back, herbs show up -- thyme or crushed sage leaves. Mouth: it blends the vinegar and the wax beautifully, here. A vinaigrette with a spoonful of honey make for a mellow and pleasant mouth, gently acidic, but that is not overpowering. A few drops of apricot juice and a trait of lime come out too, alongside controlled woodiness. There is an almost-white-wine-y character on the palate. Finish: the waxy and honeyed tones are wonderful, with just a little bit of crushed, green hazelnut to complete the picture. It is as mellow as soft, dried apricots with, again, a hint of acidity, white-wine style. Lovely. 8/10

Inchgower 27yo 1989/2017 (53.2%, Cadenhead Authentic Collection 175th Anniversary, Bourbon Hogshead, 234b): nose: it is walnut oil, at first, yet soon turns into sharp tropical fruit (pineapple), then back to nut oil, then grapefruit -- wow! Lettuce with walnut oil, scented shampoo, grapefruit peels. Mouth: soft and fruity on the palate, it has peach juice, apricot jam, a pinch of white pepper, tiny, tiny, and enough acidity to seem like a Chardonnay. Finish: chocolate milk, cocoa, comforting and soothing... until tropical fruits start dancing on the taste buds (pineapple, pink grapefruit, Chinese gooseberries and even hints of mango). This is superb! 9/10 (thanks SW for the samples)

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