After being absent here due to Covid (still not completely gone) and then a fantastic trip to Scotland, it’s time to pick up reviewing. I’m looking forward to it again! And the whisky pile that has yet to be tasted is getting so big that it is now really time to get started! ?So what better way than to start with a long-overdue review of this lovely Glen Elgin 16 year old Manager’s Dram.
Those Manager’s Drams have always been special, often very good, with the odd exception of this Blair Athol (or was it good after all…). Unfortunately, these days are pretty expensive, but luckily I was able to review a few. This Glen Elgin couldn’t be missed in that list, and there might also be an excellent Clynelish Manager’s Dram on the way (well a review, not a bottle). But let’s taste this beautiful Speysider first.
This Glen Elgin has matured in a sherry cask and is bottled at a strength of 60% ABV.
Glen Elgin 16 year old Manager’s Dram tasting notes:
Nose: oh my, this is so good. Dried fruits, raisins and plums. But also strawberries. Rich honey and dark chocolate. Tobacco, followed by walnuts. Then Oranges. Later also caramel and nutmeg.
Taste: oranges. Tobacco and also dried fruits here: raisins, plums. Then a hint of dark cherries. Some lovely dark chocolate and a pinch of brown sugar. Plenty of spices too, such as crushed black pepper, cloves, and a touch of cinnamon.
Finish: a longggg finish with the same spices, caramel and maple syrup.
Oh my god, I forgot how fantastic this Glen Elgin was. I can get why they chose this one to be a Manager’s dram. It’s rich, robust, balanced, and complex. Yes, it’s a sherry bomb, alright but very well done.
