A One-of-a-Kind Speysider from the Incomparable Signatory
2007 Glen Elgin 14 Year Old “Signatory K&L Exclusive” Hogshead Cask Strength Collection Speyside
Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)
“If you love malt for malt’s sake, this cask is too good to skip.”
— Andrew Whiteley, K&L Spirits Buyer
Oh, Signatory. Will the hits ever stop coming? Hopefully not, as this latest installment from our incredible independent bottler shows yet again what kind of singular, absolutely stirring whiskies they seem to unearth in their warehouses on a regular basis. The Glen Elgin distillery has long played a significant role in many well-known blends, but it’s only recently started to gain traction under its own name as collectors have discovered what distinctive and characterful malts come off the old worm tub stills at this under-the-radar Speyside gem. This 14 Year Old is a monument to malt itself and a testament to what long, patient fermentations and distillations can achieve. While the pale color may suggest an ethereal, high-toned dram, it’s anything but that. Spirits buyer David Othenin-Girard explains, “Oily and chewy with tons of honeyed sweetness up front … it’s almost shocking how fun this is right out of the bottle … Utterly perfect for those who appreciate the malt-driven character that this relatively naked Speysider can offer.” There are few, if any, like it in the market, and at a stellar, sub-$100 price, it will provide an unmatched drinking experience to single malt aficionados everywhere.
2007 Glen Elgin 14 Year Old “Signatory K&L Exclusive” Hogshead Cask Strength Collection Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) ($89.99)
K&L Notes: While many distillery owners prefer shell and tube condensers because they are cheaper and easier to maintain, it is no secret that, for many great malts, a worm tub is critical to the final character. Glen Elgin is a classic worm tub distillery. Juicy fruit and palate weight are the major hallmarks of Glen Elgin, situated in Speyside’s small hamlet of Fogwatt. The distillery has very long fermentation times (ranging from 80-120 hours) and an unusually clear wort. Combine that with very slow distillations and you have a vibrant, fruity malt. Condense that fruity malt in a slow, meandering worm tub, and you’ve got robust body. This somewhat paradoxical profile has lead Glen Elgin to be prized by blenders and have a cult following among single malt enthusiasts. Fortunately for K&L customers, Signatory has secured a choice cask for us. Aged 14 years, matured in hogshead. Distilled on 5/1/2007. Bottled 5/21/2021 53.2%ABV. Cask No 800253. It’s big and rich with bushels of stone fruit and chewy malt.
Andrew Whiteley | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: November 03, 2021
Don’t let the pale straw color of this malt fool you. It’s a rich tapestry of fruit and grain with just a light veil of wood. The nose is full of fleshy ripe fruits ranging from nectarine to pear to golden apple. If grain ripened like a fruit, this would be ripe malt as well. A delicate savor feels almost like the crunch of hot, freshly fried tempura. It’s chewy and satisfying, yet somehow light. The palate is thick with malted barley and a fresh snowy blanket of citrus zest. If you love malt for malt’s sake, this cask is too good to skip.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: October 29, 2021
Slowly but surely the fabulous Glen Elgin distillery is gaining fans. We likely have our friends at Compass Box to thank for producing several excellent blends that highlight the gorgeous and nuanced character of this semi-rare distillery. We bought a few barrels from an excellent lot of ’95s nearly a decade ago, and over that period have yet to come across one that suited our tastes. This one, however, offers the perfect snap shot of a malt-driven Elgin at an altogether reasonable price. Similar whiskies sell at competitors’ shops for $30-$40 more, and none will deliver the purity and zest of this supple offering. The color is pale straw. Slightly shy at first, but with just a few minutes in the glass the nose opens up exceptionally. A pure, linear maltiness encompassed by golden raisins, flecks of cacao, salted caramel, and Barlett pear skins. On the palate, utterly pristine pear and pointed white pepper. The texture is much richer than the color would imply. Oily and chewy with tons of honeyed sweetness up front moving toward roasted almonds and pithy citrus on the back. It’s almost shocking how fun this is right out of the bottle, but with a splash of water it explodes with tropical fruit aromas. Kiwi, papaya, yuzu! On the palate, it’s still got plenty of weight and adds a toasted vanilla character. Utterly perfect for those who appreciate the malt-driven character that this relatively naked Speysider can offer.
