Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 51.1%ABV
Ageing cask: Ex-Bourbon hogshead
Chillfiltered: No
Added colouring: No
Owner: Chapter 7 Whisky
Average price: € 80.00
Official website: chapter7whisky.com
Vote: 86/100
After trying the only official expression of this Speyside distillery, the Glenlossie in the Flora&Fauna line, luckily there are always independent editions to keep alive the spirit of whiskies destined to end up in blends.
277 cask strength bottles from a single ex-Bourbon cask, filled in 2008 and bottled in 2021 by Swiss Chapter 7, the passion child of Selim Evin, whom I thank for the kind sample.
Tasting notes
The nose is a symphony of flowers and fruit, very fresh and jaunty, with scents of linden, honeysuckle, apple, pineapple, peach and apricot running joyfully up the nostrils. A grassy carpet forms the background, punctuated by honey, lemon zest and very light spicy counterpoints. Sugar paste and barley water. Summery.
Oily and fuller on the palate, with a burst of pepper and ginger that anticipates sweet impressions of vanilla, caramelized fruit and lychees, not without a vibrant and pungent side of lemon and a clear mineral component that cleans the mouth at the end of every sip. Nuts (almonds and hazelnuts) with a hint of rhubarb, and a distant evocation of chocolate.
The finish is quite long with red apple, lemon, balsamic hints and a saline and mineral trail.
It starts out joyful and light and then reveals a complex and layered soul that takes you by surprise and defies expectations. A solid and enjoyable whisky, an example of what Glenlossie can really give to those who treat it as it deserves.