Glenglassaugh 1986 30 Year Cask #1393

Glenglassaugh tasting event, Sydney, February 19th. Whisky #5. Nose: Deep notes of raisin and sultana grapes, blackcurrant, manuka honey, malted milk, dark chocolate, and an intense, musky oak. A very well-rounded, captivating, and 'meaty' aroma. Adding a couple of drops of water enhances the nose. Palate: A velvety, spicy, and warm arrival with plum and chocolate taking the lead. Slightly drying, but with an underlying sweetness that develops to reveal ginger in syrup, sherry, coffee, dark chocolate, mixed red berries, blackberries, apricot jam, and a subtle hint of orange peel. A serene, mature oak note forms the base; it's not immediately obvious but subtly permeates everything once noticed. An excellent palate with a perfect texture, somewhere between creamy and oily. Finish: Medium to long. Full, rich, and satisfying. A malty sweet aftertaste with a salty/savory tang. Distilled in 1986 shortly before the distillery closed, this whisky spent 25 years in ex-bourbon casks followed by 5 years in refill PX sherry casks (a very significant 'finish'!). It was bottled in October 2016, with 425 bottles produced. This tasting was from bottle 178. One of the most fascinating aspects of this expression is its similarity to the new Glenglassaugh releases. They share an earthy, fragrant, malty character that is quite distinctive. This is not an inexpensive malt, but in my opinion, it is well worth the price. Its character lies somewhere between Springbank, Mortlach, and Glenfarclas. 'Excellent': 88/100 (4.5 stars).