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I ordered a batch of unusual samples from Master Of Malt to mix things up a little and this was one of them. A 19-year-old independent bottling from Signatory, the juice is a mixture of two hogshead casks with consecutive numbers (casks 6473 and 6474). It was put in the barrels on 13th of June, 1995 and unleashed on 20th February 2015. This of course means that not a huge amount of this whisky exists and that adds a bit of magic to the juice (or at least I think it does!).
Now with the formalities out of the way, it’s time to get down to the important stuff, so keep your eyes moving from left to right and let them caress the thoughtful and powerful words of my review of the Glenburgie 19 Year Old:
About the Distillery
The small agricultural village of Alves in Moray, Scotland, is where you will find the Glenburgie distillery. Other names it is known as include, Glenburgie-Glenlivet, Glen Burgie – two separate words, or Glenburry.
The earliest mentions of the distillery are in 1810, when it was referred to as the Kilnflat disillery. The first official mention was in 1829. Having run into financial problems, the distillery closed in 1870. It re-opened again in 1878, having been purchased by Charles Kay. After several ownership changes, the operation was closed again in 1925.
It opened again in 1935 and was run by Margaret Nichol, reputed to be the first lady-manager of a whisky distillery. In 1958 two Lomond stills were added to the existing stills. Whisky processed in the new Lomond stills was marketed under the Glencraig brand. The distillery was rebuilt in 2003/4, retaining the originals, but two new stills were added in 2006.
Today, the distillery produces various whiskies, including Glenburgie 15 and 18-year-old single malt whisky, plus Ballentine’s blended.
Whisky Details
Distiller: Glenburgie
ABV: 43%
Proof: 86
Age: 19 Years
Casks: #6473 and #6474
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Stewed apples, pastry crust, fresh forest aromas, apple strudel, wine gums, nectarines and pepper. Very pleasant and interesting.
Taste:
It has a very light buttery quality and is also very fruity with the apples and nectarines from the nose prevalent. There’s also some tinned pears, a smokiness and a hint of tobacco. There is a mild sweetness but it is more of a light caramel than the usual Speyside honey.
Finish:
Spicy with some coffee, oak, apples and stone.
Summary
This is an excellent whisky that works on every level. It is subtle but with a really interesting flavour profile with lots of unusual but enjoyable notes. Smooth as hell but very different from your average Speyside.
The only drawback is they didn’t make much of it so it may be hard to find.