Glen Elgin 18-Year-Old Scotch Whisky
Made In: United Kingdom—Scotland
Product Type: Whisky
Bottle Size: 750mL
Alcohol/Vol: 55%
Sugar Content: 0G/L
Sweetness Descriptor:
VINTAGES#: 0575845
Program Type: Monthly Cellar Features
It's actually a blend of two 18-year-olds, both distilled in 1998 and bottled in 2016. One employs a commonly used yeast strain and was aged in refill European oak butts; the other uses Pombe yeast - which is often used in rum but rarely in Scotch whisky - and aged in ex-bodega sherry casks. Pombe yeast is known for being quite aromatic, and, indeed, Glen Elgin 18's aroma is earthier and more herbal than that of a typical single malt, with hints of sweetness and tart yogurt. Sherry comes through on the palate, with clove and orange peel at the fore, though notes of freshly baked bread also make their presence felt. The finish is medium-length, clean, and pleasant. Despite its high proof (it's bottled at cask strength at 109.6 proof), it's quite easy to drink neat, though a little water brings out a more pronounced honeyed sweetness. How much of the nose and taste can be credited to the yeast? It's impossible to say, but with only 5,352 bottles available worldwide, the opportunities to hypothesize will undoubtedly be few. (Tony Sachs, robbreport.com, Dec. 11, 2017)
Prices subject to change without notice. Prices include container deposit fees where applicable. % Alcohol/Volume subject to change without notice.