For the third year in a row, The Whisky Exchange releases a special one-off bottling for Black Friday, that odd shopping tradition that has made its way from the United States to Europe (and the rest of the world presumably). The two previous releases really hit the spot.
Like in previous years the distillery is a mystery. Sort of. The distilleries responsible for the 2017 and 2018 releases weren’t that difficult to pinpoint, which is the case again this year. The press release states the 2019 Black Friday Edition was distilled at a Speyside distillery sitting between Forres and Elgin, founded in 1810.
The year threw me for a loop, as many sources state that Glenburgie was founded in 1829. Oops, sorry, now I gave it away. Well, I guess I saved you a trip to Google.
Previous editions have sold out in an instant and I expect the same will be the case here. While Glenburgie isn’t as well-known as Glenfarclas or Highland Park (the two previous releases), the quality of this year’s whisky is right up there. Actually, I think it is a tad better even.
Speyside Distillery 21 Years ‘Black Friday’ (53.1%, The Whisky Exchange, 2019)
Nose: Touches of lemon yoghurt as well as an assortment of other fruits. Mostly in the tropical region, but also some orchard fruit. Touches of meringue and cinnabuns, with a whiff of husks. Lovely balance.
Taste: Oh yes, the fruit really stands out here. Creamy vanilla at first, but then a quick hit of pink grapefruit, as well as nectarines and mangos. There’s a tinge of white pepper, as well as marjoran, but also raw sugar. Really interesting… and good!
Finish: More of the above. Medium in length.
Score: 90
Really good and my favourite of the three Black Friday releases so far. I’m a sucker for pink grapefruit, so maybe that’s why. Either way, whoever gets a hold of this, is probably all the better for it. Available from 06.00 GMT on 29 November at The Whisky Exchange.
Sample provided by The Whisky Exchange
