Whisky : Glen Ord 11 Year SMWS 77.59 “Making marmalade”

Country/Region : Scotland/Highland

ABV : 60.2%

Cask : Refill Ex-bourbon Hogshead (10Y), 2nd Fill Spanish Oak PX Hogshead (1Y)

Age : 11 Years (Distilled 7 Aug. 2007)

Nose : Waxy and fruity.  Loaded with lemon peel, berries, orange marmalade, fruit leather, pears, and apples.  The waxy fruit punch was joined by a hint of glue and gradually turned toward honey and musty grape leaves.

Palate : Sweet, spicy, waxy, creamy— this was a busy dram right from the get-go.  Lovely lemon and orange peel, fruit leather rolled in brown sugar, dried fruits, nuts, and malty grains.  Pear tart with candied almond slivers, waxy fruit skins, floral calla lilies, and full cream yogurt.

Finish : Lingering waxy fruits with apple sauce and ripe berries.

Score : 4

Mental Image : Pear Cider

Notes : A lovely Glen Ord absolutely packed with waxy fruits and effervescent spices.  The plentiful fruit notes balanced nicely against hints of malt and nuts as well as a nice creaminess that came out more with a few drops of water.  It reminded a few tasters of youthful days misspent eating classroom paste or glue, though the overall reception of the dram was dampened a bit by its youth.  Some of the bright spiciness of the dram may have come from the Spanish Oak, but it felt a bit young— like a youthful spirit heat rather than a coherent part of the flavor profile.  This was certainly a pleasant dram to sip on and I would never complain about a pour of it to enjoy, but it did not totally come together for me.