Glenlossie 1995/2013 Gordon & MacPhail Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenlossie Distillery, located in the heart of Speyside, close to the city of Elgin, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in 1995 and bottled in 2013, making it an 18-year-old whisky. Matured in first-fill sherry hogsheads, which are smaller than typical sherry butts, allowing for a faster and more intense maturation process due to the increased cask surface area in contact with the whisky.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Color and Clarity: The whisky has a lighter color, suggesting a lighter sherry type was used for maturation or the cask wasn't heavily charred.
Bottle Design: The review does not detail the bottle design.

Balance of Flavors: A complex and well-rounded flavor profile with a balance between sweet, fruity, and oaky notes.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its sweet sherry influences, with toffee, apple, and pear aromas. The palate introduces black pepper spiciness, pineapple, grapefruit, and dark chocolate flavors, with a late arrival of oakiness.
Comparison: The review does not directly compare this whisky to others, but its unique maturation process and flavor profile set it apart.

Distillery and Bottler History: Glenlossie is part of a distillery complex with Mannochmore, primarily serving the blend industry. Gordon & MacPhail, the bottler, is one of the oldest independent bottlers in Scotland, with a history of over 125 years and a significant number of casks maturing in their warehouses.
Production Insights: The use of first-fill sherry hogsheads and the specific still design at Glenlossie contribute significantly to the whisky's flavor profile.

Geographical Context: Glenlossie's location in Speyside, a renowned whisky-producing region, and its proximity to the bottler in Elgin, emphasize the local Scottish heritage and tradition in whisky production.
Historical Context: The distillery's traditional buildings and the addition of new stills in 1962 highlight its evolution and commitment to maintaining its heritage.

Horst Luening's Opinion: He praises the whisky for its complex, fruity, and pleasing aroma, as well as its well-rounded and sweet taste. He encourages whisky enthusiasts to seek out this bottle, emphasizing its worth.
Quote: "A very good one... It's worth it."

18-year-old single malt from Glenlossie, matured in first-fill sherry hogsheads.
Complex flavor profile with sweet sherry influences, fruits, and a late oakiness.
Produced by a distillery with a rich history, bottled by Scotland's oldest independent bottler.
Highly praised by the reviewer for its complexity and balance.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with an appreciation for the nuances of maturation in sherry casks and the subtleties of Speyside single malts will find this whisky particularly enjoyable.
For Collectors: Given its limited distribution and unique characteristics, collectors seeking rare or independent bottlings may find this Glenlossie expression a valuable addition.
For Beginners: While this whisky might be more complex and nuanced than some entry-level offerings, beginners with a keen interest in exploring the depth of Scotch whisky might appreciate its well-rounded profile and engaging backstory.