Glenburgie 9 Year Old 2003 Asta Morris

Asta Morris is best known for its BenRiach single cask bottlings, but Bert often finds other, less known whiskies that are suitable to bottle. Dailuaine, Blair Athol and Glenburgie come to mind. This is another one of those young single malts at cask strength, again a Glenburgie (so his second after the 1997, which I have not yet tried – hint, hint, Bert). It is on the market since 1st October 2012, but I am not sure it will last long.

The nose is creamy and sweet on overripe and stewed fruits. Even some slightly rotting banana. Mind you, this is not an off note! A bit dusty. Some dried grass. Clear hints of brown bread, candid sugar and a powerful broth. Even some cooked carrots in farmers butter and caramelized onion. I kid you not. This is very special. Hearty. Umami, for crying out loud!

The attack is a kick to the teeth. Very spicy and sweet. It dances on the tongue, young and fierce, alive and kicking. Not as complex as the nose and a little more sweet than umami. Water makes it softer and somewhat creamy, without giving up the liveliness.

The finish is razor sharp and spicy, unless you tame it with a teaspoon of water.

This was not an easy whisky to assess (this was only my second Glenburgie after all). But what a unique profile. I had so much fun with this one! And a single cask at cask strength for less than 50 EUR? A steal.

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