Glenburgie 21 Years Old 1998 Cask #751398 (Elixir)

A 21 year old Glenburgie from Elixir Distillers, distilled in 1998, from cask 751398, at 56.7%. Glenburgie is a Speyside single malt, owned by Chivas Brothers and one of the larger Speyside distilleries. Its make has long fed big blends like Old Smuggler down the decades. Most of its make goes quietly to blends; single malt Glenburgie is rare, and largely from independents.

Worked unhurried through the stillhouse, for a soft, fruity spirit with a waxy thread. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the American oak lending vanilla and a light honey. Through oxidative maturity the esters concentrate, the apple and pear turning to a waxy honey and soft tropical fruit. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and a soft coconut over the fruit. First fill wood drives the maturation, the cask clear in the spirit. Active wood frames the fruit without ever crowding the Speyside spirit.

At 56.7%, undiluted, it is rich and waxy. A delicate, soft malt with a waxy edge, with a gentle oak sweetness. The body is light and clean, the fruit lifted by a soft oak. A fresh finish closes on apple and a soft oak. This is the fragrant blending malt of Alves.