Whisky : Glen Elgin 12 Year (2007), Signatory Vintage

Country/Region : Scotland/Speyside

ABV : 46%

Cask : Hogshead

Age : 12 Year (Distilled 1 May 2007, Bottled 5 Feb. 2020)

Nose : Sweet citrus with subtle herbal spice.  Mellow lemon peel gummies, grapefruit, jabong (pomelo), and preserved orange peel.  A subtle floral note gave way to clovers, sweet tea, and peppercorns.  

Palate : Light and a bit dry with a mellow sweet profile of sweet citrus and florals.  Lemonade and sun tea came to mind before floral notes left the impression of an ice tea enjoyed with a lemon wedge in a summer flower garden.  Hints of salt and chalkiness carried into notes of lime zest, vanilla, and pineapple soft serve at the end.

Finish : Lingering citrus sugars and vanilla.

Score : 6

Mental Image : Summertime Garden Party

Notes :  Light and refreshing this dram was ideal for a long summer day.  I know plenty of people think of scotch as an autumn or winter drink that puts some heat back into the body.  Yet, living in the tropics, you find ways to enjoy scotch year round and I love a good light citrusy scotch during the summer.  This was absolutely refreshing, the perfect light dram to simply sip on or prep the palate for something more complex.  This was straightforward and easy to enjoy— which uncharitably one might read as “lacking depth and complexity,” but sometimes you just want something easy.

While I did not try this on the rocks, it reminded me enough of the Arran 10 Year that I imagine it would be pleasant to sip on chilled just a little bit.  While I typically end up reviewing cask strength bottles— especially as a whisky enthusiast reliant on other whisky enthusiast friends for bottles and samples to taste— there are absolutely great bottles out there at 46% and this one shone with that friendly abv.  At cask strength, this might stand up better on the rocks, but that seems a minor quibble with a delightful dram.

Image Credit: whiskybase