Glen Garioch – 1990 31 Year Old Whisky Sponge Edition No.37 Refill Hogshead (70cl, 53.9%)

This is a 31 year old Glen Garioch single malt, distilled in 1990 and matured in a refill hogshead. It was bottled by Whisky Sponge as Edition No.37, at a natural cask strength of 53.9% in a 70cl bottle, with an outturn of 201 bottles. The hogshead proved active but balanced, adding resinous herbal and spice character alongside the natural weight and waxiness of the distillate. The nose offers waxed wood, underripe banana, greengage and gooseberry, with golden tobacco and golden syrup; water brings out ferns and damp leaves. On the palate come papaya, mirabelle and lime, then cracked leather, lamp oil and black tea. The finish is long, with lime, tobacco and parchment paper.