Glen Elgin 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml

Glen Elgin, established in 1898, holds a significant place in the history of Single Malt Scotch Whisky as the last distillery built during the Scotch Whisky production boom. The early years were marked by production delays and changes in ownership, with the distillery experiencing periods of closure. In 1936, it was acquired by a DCL subsidiary, marking a turning point. The latter half of the 20th century saw substantial changes, including the demolition of the original distillery and the expansion of production capacity. Despite modernization, Glen Elgin maintains a traditional approach to distillation. Today owned by Diageo, the distillery proudly retains the White Horse emblem on its label, reflecting its commitment to tradition.

Situated amidst the rolling hills of Speyside, Glen Elgin is a relatively compact distillery with the capacity to produce 1.8 million liters of pure alcohol annually. Drawing its water from the serene springs of Millbuies Loch, located southeast of the distillery, Glen Elgin's production process is steeped in the purity of its natural surroundings. The distillery's distinctive identity is exemplified by its three wash stills, each with a 7,000-liter capacity, and three spirit stills, each with an 8,000-liter capacity. Notably, all six stills feature an uncommon "small tall" shape, with the spirit stills boasting a flatter pot compared to the wash stills. The unique lyne arms gently incline towards the outside worm tubs, contributing to the distillery's exceptional character. Glen Elgin also boasts one of the highest ratios of washback size to still size in Scotland, with six larch washbacks holding a 40,600-liter capacity, surpassing the 7,000-liter capacity of the wash stills. Moreover, the distillery stands out as one of the few remaining to employ copper worms for cooling alcohol vapors. With a substantial capacity for malted barley, Glen Elgin's 36 malt bins can accommodate 400 tonnes, although the distillery now sources its malt from one of Diageo's industrial sites, having ceased its own floor maltings in the 1960s. A handful of small dunnage warehouses on the distillery's grounds house casks from earlier productions, imparting a sense of history to the site. This highly-regarded Speyside distillery presents a natural cask strength Single Malt Whisky that is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Offering a sophisticated, classic Speyside taste, this intriguing fusion of two experimental batches, matured in different woods and made with different yeasts, promises a truly captivating experience. With a fresh, yet opulent aroma and layers of fruit, this enticing dram is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of Glen Elgin Distillery.

Embark on a sensory adventure with Glen Elgin 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, an exquisite expression that captivates from the first pour. Delve into a world of nuanced aromas, sumptuous flavours and a tantalizing finish as we explore the multifaceted tasting notes of this distinguished whisky. In the glass, Glen Elgin 18 Year Old presents a mesmerizing pale bronze hue reminiscent of autumn sunlight, adorned with delicate and inviting beading. The whisky boasts a medium body, setting the stage for a balanced and nuanced tasting experience. Upon the first inhalation, the nose captivates with a gentle, yet opulent richness, exuding an initial wave of sweetness intertwined with hints of vanilla toffee. This decadent sweetness gracefully yields to a verdant symphony of leafy, green and herbal notes, evoking the essence of fennel and freshly cut grass. As the aroma unfolds, the sweetness remains, transitioning from candied nuts to the allure of polished oak and sweetened cream. With time, the fragrance evolves into a fresh and fruity bouquet, offering delicate whispers of orchard fruit, dried apple rings and baked apples. This captivating melange is further enriched by the presence of poached pears, melon, orange, nectarine and banana, accompanied by a delightful crunch of sweet pastry. Introducing water introduces a cooling, floral note, while preserving the captivating fruitiness. The palate welcomes with a luxurious smoothness and an abundance of sweetness. A delightful burst of sweetness envelops the taste buds, unveiling traces of spun honey and honeycomb, followed by the emergence of sour apples, oaky spice, and brown sugar. The fruit takes center stage, enveloped in an ethereal sweetness akin to icing sugar, with subtle notes of butter and wood at the periphery. The spice gradually intensifies, as light cinnamon intertwines with dark clove and dried orange peel. Adding water tempers the spice, revealing a tapestry of creamy sweetness, sherbet and almond nuttiness, interwoven with the allure of orchard fruit and fruit jelly. The finish, of medium-length, unfolds with a delightful dryness, as oak and woody spice gently fade, leaving behind lingering echoes of brown sugar and fleeting hints of anise. As the anise dissipates, the allure of dried apples and spice briefly re-emerge, ultimately yielding to the allure of sweet oak.

The Finer Details
Style - Scotch Whisky
Country - Scotland
Region - Speyside 
Bottle Size - 700ml
ABV - 54.8%