Glen Elgin 18 Year Old -1998-Special Release 2017- Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Glen Elgin 18 Year Old Distilled 1998 is a limited edition, natural cask strength single malt whisky. A third release in this series from the original distiller’s stocks. From two batches, one distilled using Pombe yeast for lifted hints of green apple and matured in ex-bodega casks for richness, the other using more conventional cerevisiae yeast and matured in refill European Oakbutts.
From ex-bodega and refill European Oakbutts. Interesting to compare with the 16yo released in 2008, also from ex-bodega European Oak.

Only 5,352 bottlesworldwide.

A distinguished example of a Top Class rated malt with a highly sophisticated,classic Speyside taste; a fresh,yet voluptuous aroma and layers of fruit make this an enticing dram,with well balanced oak providing just enough spice.

Appearance: Pale bronze autumn sunlight.Good beading.

Nose: Mild,rich and sweet initially,with vanilla toffee giving way to leafy green and herbal notes of fennel and fresh cut grass.The sweetness remains,moving through candied nuts to polished oak and sweetened cream.With time,it becomes a fresh-fruity aroma overall,with hints of orchard fruit,dried apple rings and baked apples joined by poached pears in a fruit salad that also features melon,orange,nectarine and banana with a crunch of sweet pastry.Water introduces a cooling,floral note,but the fruitiness remains.

Body: Medium.

Palate: Smooth and very sweet,A burst of sweetness washes over the palate,with traces of spun honey and honeycomb,followed by sour apples,oaky spice and brown sugar.The fruit stays centre stage,with icing sugar sweetness,butter and wood at the edges.The spice builds,with light cinnamon joined by dark clove and dried orange peel.Water calms the spice to reveal sweet notes of cream,sherbet and almond nuttiness,with orchard fruit and fruit jelly.

Finish: Of medium-length,quite dry,with oak and woody spice fading to leave brown sugar and hints of anise. As the anise dies away,dried apple sand spice reappear momentarily,before at last revealing sweet oak.