Glentauchers 1996
Style: Single Cask
Cask: #3980
Year of distillation: 1996
Bottled: 2021
Age: 25
Region: Speyside
Cask Type: Hogshead
No. of bottles: 150
ABV: 49.9%
Release: Winter 2021
Rob Whitehead
“Sometimes distilleries can be overlooked by virtue of simply being rarely encountered. Glentauchers can sometimes fit this bill, but when lovely casks like this one are encountered it can be much more difficult to forget. This is very nicely balanced between the savoury aromas and the fruity sweetness often imparted by American oak, especially with a few drops of water. Orchard fruit and dried spices thread through the palate and finish.”
Tasting Notes
The nose is initially floral, with walnuts, wax varnish and oak jostling for position. A little water brings out more balanced heather honey, honeysuckle and pear drops. The palate is an explosion of sweet, ripe fruits; apples and melon with cinder toffee and strawberry jam showing on the back palate. Spicy ginger and nutmeg linger on the finish. An excellent aged Speyside.
Distillery
Glentauchers Distillery is a short drive from Keith, Banffshire. Its history can be traced back to 1898 when the founders chose the location at Tauchers Farm for easy access to the road and rail systems.
Jonny says: “This classic late Victorian distillery is often overlooked, falling unfairly into the grouping of “Glenanonymous” along with a few other unloved Speysiders, however that’s often where the real gems are found, especially when they really hit their stride at 20 + years. In my experience a well-aged Glentauchers bottled at cask strength is pure class - always showing subtlety and complexity.”