I admit I was seduced by the name on this one and did not even really glance at the age or maturation. I love balsamic notes and I was entranced by the idea of moleskin and balsamic on the flavor profile.  There is no other way to explain why I bought this bottle, after all a young Glentauchers is far from my typical fare.

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Whisky: Glentauchers 7 Year (2012), SMWS 63.62 “Balsamic moleskin”

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 65.9%

Cask: 2nd Fill Oloroso Butt

Age: 7 Years (Distilled 20 Sept. 2012)

Notes: The aroma was fruity and spirited with a bright pepper that settled to creamy rum raisin ice cream and dense molasses cakes. Grilled summer fruits, peaches and nectarines, with a bit of cream and some sweet balsamic arrived with brown sugar and cinnamon pastries in the background. Medium to full-bodied and replete with stewed stone fruits in syrup— peaches and nectarines— with hints of cream and a tangy balsamic glaze. Youthful and spirited, crackled black pepper and sweet chilis turned to caramel on the palate with hints of glazed ham. More dessert-like sweetness arrived near the end with sun-dried and fermented vanilla beans alongside dark chocolate.  The finish was long and slightly drying with pepper, chocolate, and hints of sweet stone fruits.

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Score: 7-8 (86)

Mental Image: Grilled Peach Salad

Conclusion: I loved this bottle and nursed it for a few years— so these notes are a conglomeration of impressions from different times. There is a different kind of enjoyment when experiencing a bottle over a long period, distinct from the joy of an ephemeral small sample or a bar pour.  The balsamic notes were much stronger at first, gradually fading, and then returning near the end of the bottle as more savory elements emerged.  The youthful pepperiness stood out more after a year, before quieting down again, and I found the bottle to be an excellent example of how a whisky can shift in delightful ways over the years.

Overall, this was a treasure— not my typical fare and also a bit unusual for such a heady sherry maturation. I also love peach, nectarine, and balsamic notes and this had them in spades.