Glenkinchie 20 Year Brandy Cask Finish

Thirty-three open bottles in my collection have been ranked through multiple blind tastings. Counting them down! #3: This single malt Scotch. 55.1% ABV. 20 years old. D1990/B2010 Paid $190 If I encounter another bottle at the same price, I will likely purchase it. This well-aged, cask-strength spirit is beautiful. The 24-year-old special release, at $400-500 a bottle, I'm not certain is worth it. But if you can find this 20-year-old for under $200, it's a recommended buy. The aroma is classic ex-bourbon matured Scotch with a grassy undertone. The palate is remarkably spirit-forward. A green wave of mint, eucalyptus, herbs, and grass. The fruitiness comes from green apples and cucumber. The finish is oaky, dry, and slightly smoky. This is astonishingly good, and it makes me regretful about the core range, which is quite uninspiring. MARK: 93/100 PREVIOUSLY, ON BATMAN: #4: Unpeated Style. $173. 55.9% ABV. 17 years old. 93/100. #5: Peated Select Cask. $84. 55.5% ABV. NAS. 92/100. #6: Redbreast. $96. 43% ABV. 15 years old. 92/100. #7: Yamazaki. $74. 43% ABV. 12 years old. 92/100. #8: Lagavulin. $70. 43% ABV. 16 years old. 91/100. #9: Benromach. $65. 43%. 16 years. 91/100. #10: Talisker Distiller’s Edition. $72. 45.8%. D2000/B2011. 91/100.

I spent $190 on this bottle. Here's my review after finishing it. Smell: So vegetal! Unripe produce, tart apple, and grassy notes. The best use of grassy aromas I've encountered in any whisky. Taste: It starts sweet, as anticipated, then shifts unavoidably to a dry, spicy smoke. Smoldering vegetation. Cool, medicinal notes. Unsweetened tea. Aftertaste: Earthy, botanical. A hint of smoky mezcal. Also minty. It lingers nicely. Adding a bit of water is beneficial. It will soften the rough spots and transitions, making the flavors seem more developed. It's a real shame this bottle is gone. I'd happily buy another for the same cost. Positives: Surprisingly engaging for a Glenkinchie. A lively spirit for its age, with a compelling character. Negatives: Released in 2010 with a production run of 4854 bottles. It will likely be impossible to locate another. These aren't highly sought-after collector's items, making them scarce even on resale. Rating: 93/100 (usual range 92-95. Number of tastings: 7)