Review by: Whiskery Turnip
Distillery: Glenburgie.
Bottler: SMWS.
Region: Scotland/Speyside Single Malt.
ABV: 58.4%. Cask Strength.
Age: 7 years. Distilled on 2 Sept. 2011.
Cask type: First Fill Bourbon Barrel.
Nose: Mango and blood oranges, peaches and cream, salt, bath bombs and bath salts, hints of clovers, camphor, and grass, subtle notions of a barnyard in the spring, fresh and green, tropical fruits.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied and very oily, a bundle of tropical fruits with mango, pineapple, passion fruit, orange, and vanilla, a kiss of salt and grassy sugar cane sweetness with a touch of lime, hints of a musty barn provided a contrast to fresh fruits and green grass.
Finish: Long and lingering finish with tropical fruits, syrup, and a kiss of salt.
Mental Image: First Time on Risa.
Conclusion: They say you never forget your first, and while that saying is usually applied to romantic firsts, I find it applies to many things in life. This bottle was the very first Glenburgie I ever purchased— in fact, I had a friend buy it for me during a free shipping event, as he had an SMWS membership, and I did not. I was intrigued by the flavor notes and the name— Farmyard feedback loop— sounded like something right up my alley. I love funky farm notes on whisky, and this bottle pushed me over the edge to get my own membership.
My peat monster wife labeled this a “bath scotch” from the moment she first tasted it, and it was one of the first tropical, oily bottles that she enjoyed, especially during a nice soak. I heartily agree, and the overall effect of the flavors always puts me in the mind of a bath bomb or a tropical spa.
Over the years, the whisky has changed slightly, becoming more tropical and a touch less sweet. It has remained just as oily as it was at the beginning, though the farmyard funkiness has gradually faded so that now it feels more like a barn being aired out in the spring— it is musty and grassy but also fresh and crisp. It is an interesting contrast. Indeed, I think the whisky might be more interesting four years on than it was initially.
Overall, fantastic— but I am heavily biased. It was a gateway whisky for me, holding a special place in my heart. I have had a lot of Glenburgie since I first poured this— but it remains a favorite.
Final Score: 86.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 