Whisky: Glen Elgin 25 Year (1980), Scott’s Selection

Country/Region: Scotland/Speyside

ABV: 44.1%

Cask: Oak

Age: 25 Year (Distilled 1980, Bottled 2005)

Nose: Soft citrus, chalk, grassy sweetness, coffee, jasmine, stained oak and antiques, Springtime florals.

Palate: Medium-bodied, herbal, citrus zest, coffee, chicory, peppercorns, nutmeg, sandalwood, dried citrus peel, menthol, tobacco, yeast, soda bread, tobacco ash.

Finish: Long with herbal tobacco, grass, and citrus.

Score: 8-9

Mental Image: Proust’s Special Reserve

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was soft, pleasant, and full of sweet nostalgia— hints of coffee and teak fronted a mellow lemon, grapefruit, and pomelo citrus, which deposited me straight into memories of grandma’s sitting room; a place of antiques, awards, and a lifetime of memories. It was a quiet place that, as children, we rarely ventured. Garden florals and jasmine drifted in with chalk, stained wood, and a fresh Spring-like grassy sweetness. The palate kept me rooted in the past; herbal tobacco and subtle coffee arrived first, with mellow chicory, peppercorn, and nutmeg spice not far behind. Dried citrus rinds and sandalwood flashed briefly before menthol and musty herbal tobacco, more cigarette than pipe, arrived and lingered with dueling notions of bubbling yeast and soda bread. Tobacco ash appeared at the end but faded quickly on a very long finish to leave behind herbal tobacco, fresh grass, and a very subtle citrus.

This was so heavy with nostalgia that I struggled to actually describe the notes— how can I relate the experience of grandmother’s sitting room— the orange pastel paint on the walls, the cream-colored furniture, my grandfather’s Second World War service awards and mementos, the glass doors looking out on a wooden deck and green garden— it is hard to get at specific flavors when one becomes so lost in the details and memories of another time and place.

Overall, I have never had a Glen Elgin quite like this. It was not unlike the more recent Glen Elgins with its herbal character and citrusy highlights, but I have never had one with quite so many well-integrated flavors or musty tobacco and jasmine.

Image Credit: Whisk Auctioneer