Colour: deep amber. Nose: very fragrant, starting on precious wood, raisins and hints of camphor, all that working in sync. Pretty perfect! Goes on with hints of metal polish and damp earth and then many cooked and dried tropical fruits (not fresh). Papayas, pineapples, longans… Gets finally much more leathery and ‘tertiary’, with hints of beef jerky and parsley, even a bit of garlic. Pine resin. A very, very complex old Glenglassaugh! Beautiful. Mouth: a very rich oakiness at first sipping, but an elegant one. A lot of bitter chocolate, various fruit jellies and jams (strawberries first), some vanilla, various herbal teas (rosehip, chamomile, lime tree blossom), and a wide combination of spices including cloves, cardamom, black pepper, carvi and cinnamon (lots). Develops on loads of dark chocolate and coffee beans plus notes of cough syrup. Very ‘torrefied’. Finish: long, spicy, quite tannic but not excessively so. Quite some oranges in the aftertaste. Comments: a 40yo that’s still rather nervous and ‘vibrant’. Excellent and, above all, not too oaky. I like it better than the 30yo – am I normal?
BOW (94)
Glenglassaugh 40 Years Old Crystal Decanter
A few expressions command the respect and admiration that a 40-year-old single malt does. Glenglassaugh, a distillery with a storied history, proudly presents its 40 Years Old Crystal Decanter, a remarkable expression that stands as a testament to time and craftsmanship. Distilled in 1967 and bottled in 2009, this limited edition whisky has spent four glorious decades maturing in a refill sherry cask, resulting in a spirit of unparalleled depth and complexity.
Nose:
The journey begins with a sensory explosion on the nose, as the whisky unveils a powerful bouquet reminiscent of green apples gracefully tumbling to earth, landing on a bed of wet moss and grass. This initial earthy and fruity dance evolves into a medley of boiled fruit sweets, offering a nostalgic aroma that harks back to childhood delights. As the olfactory adventure deepens, subtle hints of raspberries, blackberries, and the delicate sweetness of ripe banana emerge, adding layers to the whisky's intricate profile. The grand finale on the nose is a symphony of refined sherry notes, featuring sultanas, fruit cake, and rich creamy fudge that gracefully take center stage.
Palate:
As the elixir touches the palate, the rich sherry flavors intermingle seamlessly with the boiled fruits, creating a whisky of extraordinary power and complexity. Despite its venerable age, the original distillery character miraculously persists, a testament to the distillation mastery at Glenglassaugh. The palate unfolds like a carefully orchestrated melody, with each sip revealing new dimensions of flavor. The harmonious marriage of sherry cask influence and the distillery's intrinsic qualities makes for an unforgettable tasting experience, leaving connoisseurs in awe of the craftsmanship that has shaped this remarkable spirit.
Finish:
The grand finale of this exceptional whisky is a long and consistent finish that lingers on the palate. The freshness of Granny Smith apples, a crisp and invigorating note, persists, providing a delightful conclusion to the sensory journey. This whisky is not merely a drink; it's an experience, making it particularly well-suited for leisurely after-dinner sipping. The enduring flavors invite contemplation, encouraging enthusiasts to savor the moment and reflect on the decades of maturation that have contributed to this masterpiece.
Conclusion:
Glenglassaugh's 40 Years Old Crystal Decanter is a triumph of time, patience, and skill. From the powerful nose that captivates the senses to the complex palate that reveals the whisky's journey through the decades, every aspect of this expression speaks to the artistry of the distillery. As a limited edition release, this whisky stands as a collector's gem, a testament to the legacy of Glenglassaugh and a celebration of the enduring allure of aged single malts. Indulging in a dram of this rare whisky is not just sipping; it's a journey through time encapsulated in a crystal decanter.
Official tasting note (94)
Official tasting note:
Nose: A strong powerful nose that begins with the aroma of geen apples falling to earth onto wet moss and grass. This gives way to a medley of boiled fruit sweets. Despite its complexity, hints of rasberries, blackberries and hints of ripe banana emerge. Finally, the refined sherry notes of sultanas, fruit cake and rich creamy fudge take over.
Palate: The rich sherry flavours combine with the boiled fruits to give an incredibly powerful yet complex whisky. The original distillery character is still surprisingly evident despite this whisky´s great age.
Finish: A long and consistent finish leaves the freshness of the Granny Smiths apples on the palate. This is a very powerful whisky very well suited to after dinner sipping.
