Glen Ord 1999 Malts of Scotland

This Glen Ord, selected by the independent bottles Malts of Scotland from Germany, is 11 years old and matured on a bourbon hogshead, delivering an output of 289 bottles. It’s gold with a brown/green sheen and beads wonderfully in the glass.

The nose is somewhat closed, needing time. But once it opens up, it smells silky soft. Totally not offensive despite the ABV of 54,5%. I get grains like weetabix cookies and a very slight whiff of toffee, followed by a sparkling of ginger. Inviting. Adding a little water makes it smell a bit waxy – like candle – and masks the sweet cereals a little. It becomes a tad more sweet.

On the palate it feels wonderfully warm, very drinkable at cask strength. The attack is sweet and rather peppered, but the taste of the cereal cookies is overcome quickly by a firm salty touch. This is good! Diluted it becomes softer, creamier and sweeter – the salt no longer dominates.

The finish is between medium and long, very salty. This one can lie 5 years easily (and in the case of whisky – as opposed to my wife – that means it can pretend to be 5 years older…). Water will shorten the finish somewhat, but not significantly so.

I cannot judge Glen Ord in general as this was my first from that distillery in the Highlands. But this is my kind of dram. With or without water, this one remains a must try dram. Breakfast cookies in a bottle for the trained palate. At only 47 EUR, I think this should be in anyone’s cabinet.

PS. After a second tasting later in the day, I do believe I prefer this one diluted.

82/100

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