Glenglassaugh 45 Years Old Rare Cask Release Batch 1 cask:1601 44.3% 1968

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (87)

1968, another great year. For example, the General Post Office introduced the first postbus in Scotland. But also, Jim Clark was killed… (S., drop Wikipedia, now!) Colour: dark amber. Nose: it’s a ‘darker’, more chocolaty and more prune-y version of the 1972. A tad earthier as well, and a little more coffee-ish. Other than that, there’s almost as much honey, PX, and even sandalwood. Long story short, it’s just great again. Mouth: perhaps not. Some parts are very lovely, especially the honey sauce, the pipe tobacco, the dried figs and prunes and dates and even bananas… But the oak got a little loud this time, making it a little drying. Cinnamon cake plus ground coffee plus strong tea. All this is very very okay, don’t get me wrong, it’s just lost a part of the, say vibrancy that both the 30 and the 1972 had. A feeling of walnut stain – not that I drink walnut stain every day, of dried porcinis, and more coffee beans and bitter chocolate. Finish: medium, dry, and a little drying. More bitter chocolate and coffee. Comments: perhaps the death seat effect, since the 1972 was so great. So let’s remain fair and balanced…

Gal Granov (93)

This whisky was aged for 45 years, mostly in ex-bourbon casks, then a short finishing period in a sherry hoggie. (not quite sure how long this finish lasted). 349 bottles all in all, and it’s still available (if very expensive).

Nose: The sherry effect is not massive, but the 40 odd years left quite a bit of lovely notes here. Were off to a start with some a waxy feeling, followed by dark old wood, Black tea with a smoky touch (Lapsang). There’s also some wet oak, Mushrooms and wood varnish. It is also A bit salty (think brine).

Palate: The palate delivers too, continuing on the old wood and mushroom combination, black tea and tobacco as well as a sweet note of old sherry. The sherry finish did not overwhelm the liquid, and that is good news.

Finish: Very dry. wine tannins, Lapsang and old benches.