Glentauchers 11 Year Old 2005

Glentauchers is a lesser known Speysider – founded in 1897 – that produces primarily for the blenders. Their biggest customers are Black & White, Ballantine’s, Teachers and Chivas Regal. Official releases are almost non-existent. Luckily independent bottlers offer up a cask from time to time. This one from Hart Brothers is 11 years old and was bottled at drinking strength. I will put it head-to-head with one at cask strength from the same vintage and the same bottler.

The nose is very fruity and fresh. A truckload of apricots, lots of sugared orange peel, a malty heart with some camphor. A hint of mint. Fairly straightforward but nothing wrong with that.

It is slightly oily and immediately very piquant (despite the low ABV) as well as honeysweet. Think apricots, oranges and lots of drying oak. Pepper all over the place with a hint of nutmeg. Honey assures you do not need to pull a face, but the tannins surely dominate.

The finish is medium long, bittersweet and drying.

Surprisingly powerful for such a low ABV. Not a high flyer, but almost flawless. Just a bit too much tannins to my taste.

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