Origin: Speyside (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 51.5%ABV
Ageing cask: Ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Douglas Laing & Co.
Average price: € 120.00
Official website: www.douglaslaing.com
As far as I can remember, I don’t think I’ve ever tasted Glen Keith whisky, a distillery from Speyside owned by the giant Pernod Ricard with an annual production capacity of 6 million liters. What better occasion, then, than this single ex-sherry cask offered by Douglas Laing in its Old Particular series?
Distilled in August 1996 and bottled in November 2017 at 51.5%abv, in its natural color and unchill-filtered, in 261 bottles, it is now hard to find, and for this reason, the listed price should be considered purely indicative.
Tasting Notes
The color is a dark gold.
The sense of smell is an authentic ode to fruit, expressed with overwhelming perceptive enthusiasm: apple, pear, peach, apricot, even in jam form, with a subtle spiciness (pepper and nutmeg, with a hint of cinnamon) and a pastry dimension of shortcrust that leads directly to the fruit tart (including gelatin). The inclination towards sweetness is reinforced by an impression of wildflower honey and a touch of caramelized almonds and pistachios.
On the palate, sweetness confirms the aromatic horizon of reference. The range is entirely consistent with that detected on the nose, with an added perceptual note of pastry cream and orange cream and a growing touch of orange zest as the minutes pass. The diabetic drift is avoided thanks to a specific note of seasoned wood and a spicy component that curbs the overpowering nature of the fruit.
The finale of medium persistence shows that sweetness is a well-established vice (fruit tart). Meanwhile, the pepper dries the mouth, preparing it for the next sip.
Review: Despite that hint of wood and the contribution of spices that somewhat balance the picture, a whisky on the verge of being cloying, at least for me, who generally does not disdain sugary drams. Only for those with emotional deficiencies or who have no issues with blood sugar.
Vote: 84/100