GLENBURGIE 28 Year Old 1994 New Vibrations Gordon & Macphail, 52.3% ABV

Founded in 1810, the Kinflat distillery began production in 1829. Closed in 1870, it reopened under the name Glenburgie-Glenlivet in 1878. After significant renovation work started in 2004, the number of its stills increased from four to six in 2006. Very diverse in its fruity character, the aromatic and gustatory palette of this version vividly reflects the malted and countryside character of this single malt, which largely contributes to the famous blended scotch: Ballantine’s.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep gold. Nose: Generous, powerful. Both fruity (pineapple, pear), spicy (clove, ginger), herbaceous (alfalfa, cut hay), and vanilla, the first nose is impressively complex. With aeration, scents of wildflowers (dandelion, daisy) bring great freshness to an aromatic palette that becomes more medicinal (balm).

Palate: Lively, elegant. Very fruity (banana, mirabelle), minty, and lemony, the palate’s attack is full of dynamism. Luscious, the mid-palate is marked by notes of white grapes loaded with sugars. The impressive length of the palette becomes increasingly herbaceous (thyme, oregano) and spicy (saffron).

Finish: Both invigorating and indulgent. At the beginning of the finish, a pleasant malty bitterness accompanies flavors of licorice and ripe fruits (white currant, Louise Bonne pear). In the aftertaste, notes of tobacco, candied lemon, and vanilla coexist in perfect harmony.

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!