Glen Elgin 12 Year

This is Glen Elgin, number 82 on the SDT, a distillery owned by Diageo that isn't widely known. Their production likely goes mostly into blends, but I didn't check further than Wikipedia. I'm uncertain if this expression is sold in the USA; a fellow tour participant acquired this bottle from Master of Malt. It's presented at 43% ABV, and as a Diageo product, it's almost certainly colored and chill-filtered, appearing a golden yellow. The aroma is quite sweet, featuring notes of blackberry jam, raspberries, and orange marmalade, alongside honey, malty biscuits, and blueberry muffins. It also presents crisp green apples, a touch of floral character, and earthy, vegetal undertones. Adding a few drops of water enhances the honey and brings in vanilla and cherry notes. The nose is quite appealing. However, the palate disappoints, taking an unexpected turn. Initially, berry flavors emerge, followed by notes reminiscent of cough syrup, bitter oak, intensely bitter dark chocolate, and bitter almonds. There's a slight spiciness and what seems like very unripe pineapple. Dilution introduces soapiness and strong floral qualities. The mouthfeel is light-bodied, a little thin but mouthwatering. The finish is of medium length and overwhelmingly bitter, with notes of cough syrup, oak, fruit, a hint of florals, and almonds. The nose started out so promising and had few issues, perhaps just being a bit light. The palate and finish were truly a letdown, with hardly any of the nose carrying over and excessive bitterness. At $46 before shipping, it's not a terrible price, but not one I'd pay. Based solely on the nose, it would have scored at least a 3.5, but the palate and finish bring it down to a 2.5. Overall, I'll rate it a 3. Cheers

Another very typical whisky. It presented fruit, florals, and perfume along with honey and vanilla, much like countless others. After discovering this was tasted blind, I did not even finish the 2cl sample. I simply do not care for this style of whisky. I instead poured a dram of Highland Park 18 to make up for the less than average samples I had over the past few tastings. (With the exception of Tomatin and Benromach, naturally). I haven't had any of the more standard basic whiskies recently, and after going through this Advent Calendar, I understand precisely why. To be frank, most of these whiskies I sampled during this "tasting experience" are just dull. The majority so far are very young or NAS bottlings that were only matured in ex-bourbon casks—most feeling like second or third fill. These are not bad—they are simply one-dimensional and uninteresting. Yes, I am a peat enthusiast, but I also enjoy exotic cask maturations or truly interesting sherry finishes that bring a whisky to life with character. However, I genuinely wonder how anyone would enjoy these or even purchase this type of whisky. Personally, I just cannot appreciate them for what they are. I respect the art and the craft, but this is a whisky I would neither buy nor suggest, as there are so many superior bottles available. Disclaimer: I will cease posting reviews of these Advent Calendar samples unless I encounter something in the 3.25+ range that is actually worth my time. Ultimately, this calendar was a gift, so I cannot truly complain, and it still helps broaden one's perspective and appreciate truly exceptional whisky.

Friday. I always anticipate Friday and my weekend pour. This pour is another from our sixth round for our Scottish Whisky tour group. This one is not common in the States or to me. Fruit and sweetness begin to emerge on the nose. Diced pears and apples, blueberries with caramel and vanilla. Some cake and sugar icing come through over time. A small amount of cinnamon and nutmeg spice deep down in the nose but requires patience to find. The light body delivers a sweet character with a spicy oakiness. Honey, caramel, and vanilla provide the sweetness. The spicy quality offers black pepper and cinnamon (red hot) heat, but not excessively, with some char. The body is The finish is oaky, long, and drying with a hint of smokiness. The whisky starts wonderfully sweet and slightly complex, but the palate is not as satisfying as the nose and somewhat ordinary on the finish. However, this is a respectable whisky that is sippable and enjoyable. It won't astound you, but you also won't refuse it. [$46][85/100][Tasted: 6/15/18]

Returning to tasting samples from the distillery tour group. Next up: Glen Elgin 12. Glen Elgin is a Speyside distillery that began operations in 1898. They mainly provide malts for White Horse blends, which may not be sold in the states. Their only single malt bottling is the 12 year, and it's also not available stateside. It presents as a deep amber and gold color with minimal legs. It is bottled at 43%. The aroma is primarily honey and sherry sweetness, with banana and biscuit notes woven throughout. There's also a subtle oak spice. The taste was spicier, featuring almonds and sherry. A faint hint of tea leaves and biscuits reappeared. The texture was oily and substantial. The finish is medium in length and malt-forward, with a strong spice and oak impact at the very end. Overall, it's a decent offering but doesn't provide anything remarkable compared to many commonly available Speyside sherry cask bottlings. Thanks to a friend for the pour. I'd consider this one very drinkable and enjoyable. 3.5 stars. Cheers.

Nose: Malty with herbaceous and floral honey notes, similar to Tasmanian leatherwood honey. Hints of citrus and even a touch of brininess. Delightfully rich aroma of premium oak casks. Essentially, the nose is defined by quality floral honey and quality oak. Fantastic! Palate: Smooth and sweet, but not excessively so, with light honey and cereal flavors becoming more prominent later. A very pleasant buttery chocolate and cream character. Finish: Medium. Chocolate, malt, oatcakes, and a subtle mild spice. A wonderful, overlooked gem. Upon first opening, the sweet palate makes it dangerously easy to drink. However, with some air, the initial floral honey sweetness evolves into a more understated and elegant spicy sweetness, which is very pleasing. It would be just another floral, fruity whisky if not for the full, robust character that underlies everything. No peat, but a delicate background hint of barrel char and evidence of masterful cask maturation. "Very Good": 85/100 (4 stars)

The aroma of this spirit includes pears, apples, vanilla, cream, and some mixed spices. The palate is surprisingly hot for 40% ABV. I can discern elements of the bourbon cask, royal icing, grassy notes, savory pastry, sourdough, peaches, and finally, herbal notes. For a 12-year-old, I find it complex and well-balanced. The finish brings notes of shortbread cookies and almonds, but it was a bit brief. I genuinely enjoyed this one, so I'm giving it a 3.5. My thanks to a friend for the opportunity to try this. The theme for this dram is "Amorphous Surprise" by Guided by Voices.