Glen Elgin 17 Year Old 1991 James MacArthur

The boys of the Milano Whisky Festival did not buy the whole cask, it would seem. James MacArthur released another bottling of the same cask, but at 54,6% ABV. For the festival in Italy, only 150 bottles were filled at a slightly lower ABV. So this must have been diluted for that purpose.

On the nose, one scent jumps out immediately: butterscotch. Candy made of candied sugar and loads of butter. Some candle wax too. Cloves and nutmeg precede rum raisins. Reminds me a bit of rum, actually. Espresso, whipped cream on top. This is a very enticing nose.

On the palate it is equally creamy, but with a sour touch. Hints of wine. Pity. But it remains sweet enough (again candied sugar, but hardly any fruit) to be called good. Midpalate, the coffee returns. Some nuts as well. Roasted, mind you. Yes, it is becoming much better now. Even some chocolate. After the second and third sip it becomes really good.

The finish is spicy and shows some toasted oak. The mouth is left dry.

Do not ask me how this tastes with water, for a had some trouble with the palate, needing three to four sips to truly appreciate this dram. And I tasted it from a sample. Yep, you have guessed it. After five sips, the glass was empty.

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