Bruichladdich 24yo 1993/2018 (46.9%, Cadenhead Authentic Collection, Bourbon Hogshead, 204b): nose: lots of fruit jellies leap out of the glass, then it is plasticine, an empty plastic bucket and faint pencil eraser. Later, a distant note of forest floor rears its head, with earth, decaying wood and waxy leaves. It even has a dash of meek smoke, maybe. Mouth: acidic, sharpish, it is thin in texture, yet powerful in flavour (or is that the 6:45am effect?) It mellows down a notch and reveals unripe oranges, vine leaves and a drop of red-wine vinegar. Finish: the aftertaste is citric alright, with satsumas, clementines (Fandango -- for those who know) and a pinch of cocoa powder on top. The whole is acidic, though warm and comforting. 7/10 (Thanks for the sample, SW) |
| The minute changes the very second I take the picture |
Longmorn 23yo 1994/2018 (52.6%, Cadenhead Rum Cask, finished in a Guadalupe Rum Cask, 222b): nose: this one starts off with lichen on staves and sugar, crystallising into chunky agglomerates in a paper bag. Ground orange peels (dried prior), then it seems to turn rather plastic-y, with warm shrinkwrap and lunchboxes in the sun. A lukewarm, fruity side soon comes back (lemonade, mixed peel), and still that sugary touch. Mouth: sharp and acidic at first, yet the sugary note soon reappears on top. Sugared water, still lemonade, lukewarm sugar-cane juice, a dash of lemon juice and pressed satsumas. Finish: here too, the overall impression is that of sugar. It is very sweet, with lots of that slightly citric sugar they put on fruit jellies. Tame wood spices join the mix, with just a pinch of ground ginger and lots of cinnamon powder, but also ground lemongrass, sandalwood and a tiny touch of liquorice. 7/10 (Thanks for the sample, SW)
Glen Mhor 15yo 1978/1993 (62.2%, Gordon & MacPhail Cask Strength, C#2263+2264+2266+2268, IC/BIG): nose: it is another world, of course. In pure GMP-miniature fashion, this has dusty shelves and pickled onions. Let us give it a moment... Ah! It opens up a bit. Old, leather-bound books, hay bales, citrus tarts past their prime, draff, stewed rhubarb, moist cork -- this has something for everyone! The second nose shows its power at last; it clears one's nostrils with a citrus-scented, industrial cleaning agent. With water, it turns more plastic-y, though lemon drops eventually show up too. Mouth: surprisingly mellow, until a citric note grows in intensity. It is lime juice -- no! pomelo juice, much sweeter than lime. Pineapple drops and rum toff; not quite piña colada, but it is no coffee liqueur either. The texture is that of skimmed milk, with undertones of squashed banana in porridge, baking soda and a growing pepper note -- ground, black pepper. Water makes it softer, thinner and fruitier. Finish: here, it is an interesting combination of warm hay bales and citrus, with leather added into the mix. A farmer in faded leather dungarees is sucking on a pineapple drop, whilst making a hay bale. A whisper of crushed Kaffir lime leaves and galangal shavings are spread on top of fudge-y custard and complete the picture. Nice. With water, the spices almost disappear (Kaffir lime leaves do remain) to leave citrus-y goodness. 8/10 (Thanks for the sample, OF)
No comments:
Post a Comment