'Filled at the distillery malts' tasting 21.3.13

[jmrl]

A couple of years ago we did a tasting where we tried bottlings that were only possible to buy while visiting the distillery. We had a Bourbon cask Aberlour, a Benromach, an Old Pulteney, a Glen Moray (I think) and something from Springbank. Having tasted a yummy Glenfiddich from their solera vat at cask strength yesterday (thanks Brian) I was inspired to revisit the concept. All going according to plan we'll try:-

Glen Garioch 1999 Bourbon cask 59.9%

the Glenfiddich 55.5% (15yo I think)

Glendronach - hopefully, no casks details yet but surely a sherry bomb

Arran - again crossed fingers but no confirmation as yet

the missing piece is a peaty job, I think Laphroaig offer the scheme but certainly a Longrow would do but I think we did that last time, although the cask will be different this time.

Any other peaty drams bottled from cask at the distillery that anyone can think about? I don't believe Bowmore, Caol Ila or Ardbeg do it and I'm not fussy for Bruichladdich, there I've said it. I doubt Talisker or Ardmore bother either. Remember it has to be drawn from the cask not just a pre-bottled distillery exclusive.

While we're at it can anyone think of other distilleries who do this? I think Glenmorangie stopped some time ago. Glen Goyne?

[jmrl]

The tasting is coming together nicely, so far we have confirmed:-

Glen Garioch 29.11.1999 - 28.02.2013 13yo Bourbon cask No.2907 bottle No.43 59.0%

Glenfiddich 55.5% (15yo I think) here an old washback is filled with 19,000 litres of 20% sherry cask matured stock, the remainder being Bourbon cask (10% of which has been in fresh American oak for 14 weeks). After 9 weeks marrying half the result is sent for bottling then the remainder is topped up with the next batch of casks. Our example is from a cask filled from the 'tun' and sold in the distillery shop.

Glendronach - 1993 sherry cask

Longrow 49.2%

As yet there is no confirmation form Arran but Tomatin does a sherry cask example currently at 57.9% and a Bourbon one at 57.7% so between them our line up should be complete.

[jmrl]

Oooh exciting,

Thats the Glendronach in my paws :-

filled 24.9.1993 bottled the other day 59.2% oloroso butt.

The Longrow was filled on 2.3.13 and is actually 48.8%.

The Arran is in the bag.....

[jmrl]

The Arran : sherry cask No.608 distilled 25/06/96 bottled 09/07/12 16yo 325 bottles 52.4%.