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

A 31 year old Highland single malt from Glen Garioch, 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%, with an outturn of 201 bottles, in a 70cl bottle. The hogshead was active but balanced, adding resinous herbal and spice flavours that sit alongside the waxy weight of the distillate. The nose has waxed wood, underripe banana, greengage, gooseberry, golden tobacco and golden syrup. 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.