Highland region – 46%ABV – 700ml – Limited bottling 1 of 3551 – $446 | £278 |€325 (I bought my bottle a good while back and did not pay these prices. My bottle number, by the way, is # 3535)
Where do I begin, and to what do I compare the feelings I had upon opening this bottle so as NOT to make a comparison to my *first time* with a girl and the anticipation some teenage boys, such as I was, feel regarding the prospect? Aw, crap. I just made the comparison, now didn’t I? At least there were no details, right? Right.
In all seriousness, I’ve had this bottle sitting in my whisky cabinet for a good 2 years (or so) before I went ahead and opened it. It didn’t stay there because I was planning on keeping it for whisky collecting purposes. No, it just so happened that I wanted to wait until the right time (whatever that would be) to open and enjoy it. Thanks to you, I discovered what that special time was and, even though I haven’t gotten there yet, I’m well on my way on what I believe is the right track to attaining that goal.
So, why did I open this bottle if I hadn’t reached my goal yet? Well, that is all explained in this here post.
Let’s just say that opening it was a thrill. And to be in the good company of friends who are fellow whisky geeks/bloggers (Jason, Sam, that’s you!) made it all the more special.
Anyone who frequents the blog or knows me personally understands that I’ve basically got a boner for all things Glenmo. If you’ve not tried their range in a while, I REALLY suggest you give it another go. Their current line up is very special – even down to their 10yr “Original.”
And shit, if the contents of that bottle didn’t smell like pure heaven…
I’ve used this video once before (for another Glenmorangie whisky) and few drams can be compared to what is being compared in this video but, enjoy!
On to the review…
On the nose — A very un-Glenmo nose.
Wafts of over-ripe grapes.
Delicious prune like notes.
Scents of grass and wild flowers (the little white daisies that aren’t so sweet smelling – very earthy).
Italian herb rub.
Fine red wine for the holidays.
Subtle notes of apples and peach (wine soaked peaches at that!).
Big chunks of chocolate.
Paper lunch bags.
On the mouth — Powerful – like licking a dank dirt floor cellar; musty and earthy.
I wouldn’t want this any other way.
Very tannic, big wine and tobacco.
Lots of dried fruits with a focus on raisins and prunes.
This is really massive and the mouth feel goes back and forth between creamy and peppery.
Finish — Very drying finish, oaky and hints again of that herb-rub I got on the nose.
In sum — Delectable. Way too big for daily dramming (also, too expensive & limited for it as well). Handle with care.
This is the elephant in the room. Not to be ignored.
If drinking with friends, the conversation needs to be deep and it should be centered around this beauty or you’re just not giving it its due respect.