Glenglassaugh 38, 1976-2015, Oloroso sherry hogshead no. 1271/1, 1/148, 42.9% abv.

By now, most whisky aficionados know the story of Billy Walker and the famed Benriach, Glendronach, Glenglassaugh project and how it changed whisky history. Not much else to say to be honest... not many big splashes or world changing events at Benriach, Glendronach, Glenglassaugh, or Glenallachie after Mr. Walker left. Sometimes the planets align. Interestingly, the "/1" on the barrel number means this hogshead was re-racked. Re-racking is where the whisky in one barrel is transferred to another barrel. The practice is slightly frowned upon by consumers as it is misleading when "single casks" are involved. Some fans have discovered, or deduced, or whatever synonym you can find, that Glendronach is re-racking casks in their single cask lineup, with an indication based on the words in the title, such as "cask bottling" or just "sherry cask" without an indication if it was "oloroso" or "px". Seems many a business has been doing this.

Nose: light sherry, dried fruit, alot of toast. Straight forward.

Palate: fluctuates, initial palate is a little earthy, some roots, but gently calm, mid palate has some old fruits, more sour wood, sherry forward, some wet old steamed lotus leaves, back palate is wood, bread, lotus leaves initially but it becomes wet old steamed lotus leaves with time.

Finish: short, a little dry, slight smoke, dried fruit residue.

Dry glass: intense dried fruits.

This is a well done whisky, mostly sour dried fruits, great body, almost borderline sherry bomb, a little out of control and complex. Moderate to strong dried fruit flavors on the palate and finish. Very enjoyable.

Grade: B+

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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