Scotch

Whisky Review: Glenburgie 16 Year Old 2008 Marsala Finish Cask #87 Berry Brothers Sense of Place 'Glens & Valleys' Collection

$131

OVERALL
RATING

8

Whisky Review: Glenburgie 16 Year Old 2008 Marsala Finish Cask #87 Berry Brothers Sense of Place ‘Glens & Valleys’ Collection

This 16 Year Old Glenburgie was bottled for Berry Bros. & Rudd's 'Glens & Valleys' collection.
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Tasting Notes:

About:
This is a Glenburgie from Berry Brothers and Rudd, Sense of Place ‘Glens & Valleys’ collection, bottled at 59.1% and finished in a Marsala Hogshead.
Appearance:
Tawny, deep gold.
Nose:
This Glenburgie gives a big alcohol hit which delivers white pepper but matures with an airing and presents a leather and allspice hit, once settled.
Palate:
There is a medium smoke on this, which segues neatly into wood influence of a resinous treacle. It gives bright, dried apricots.
Finish:
The finish is delicate, despite the first presentation of heavy alcohol vapour. It almost finshes like a chutney. It leaves a want for more.
Comments:
Overall this whisky is a great example of the distillery character from Glenburgie, and would sit well with fans of more well known Speyside whiskies.

About Glenburgie

Glenburgie is a cornerstone of Pernod Ricard’s blending portfolio, playing a pivotal role in the production of Ballantine’s and other key blends. Often categorized as an “A1” single malt primarily destined for blending, Glenburgie sits alongside Longmorn and Scapa in Pernod Ricard’s impressive line-up. While there are official Glenburgie bottlings, including 15- and 18-year-old age-statement releases, these are relatively scarce and not consistently available.

This limited availability has opened the door for independent bottlers to showcase the distillery’s versatility. Whether aged in bourbon, sherry, or port casks, Glenburgie delivers a broad spectrum of flavor profiles. Despite its reputation as a typically sweet, approachable Speyside single malt, it has the capacity to surprise whisky drinkers with its depth and character.

Adding to its intrigue, Glenburgie was also the birthplace of the now-defunct Glencraig single malt, produced using Lomond stills installed in 1958. These distinctive stills were removed in 1981, marking the end of Glencraig’s short-lived but fascinating production history.

How Does Glenburgie Compare To Other Speyside Distilleries?

Speyside is a vast and diverse whisky region, making comparisons between distilleries tricky unless they’re producing markedly different styles. For example, comparing Glenburgie to globally renowned names like Macallan or Glenfarclas isn’t particularly useful, as these distilleries focus on distinctively rich, sherried house styles that have gained worldwide recognition.

Glenburgie, on the other hand, shines in a different way. It offers a fragrant, green-fruit-forward, and cereal-driven profile that sets it apart from heavier or more sherried Speyside expressions. For those who appreciate a lighter, fresher single malt, Glenburgie is an excellent choice.

Independent bottlings provide an especially insightful glimpse into Glenburgie’s true character. These releases often showcase the distillery’s core style while sometimes experimenting with unique cask finishes, adding intriguing layers to the whisky.

Is This Bottle A Good Value Purchase?

Marsala-finished or fully matured whiskies are still something of a rarity, though cask types like this and Madeira have gained more traction in recent years. At 16 years old, this bottle offers exceptional value, combining an intriguing cask finish with the craftsmanship of one of the most reputable spirits companies in the world, Berry Bros. & Rudd, for the Glens & Valleys collection.

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Davis Gonnella

Davis Gonnella, a proud father of five, resides with his partner in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. He is passionately dedicated to the world of whisky, with a mission to secure a Designation of Origin Control (DOC) for this beloved spirit. His advocacy also extends to the political realm, where he aims to create a position for a Minister for Whisky Tourism within the Scottish Government. A lifelong ambition of his is to be recognized for his contributions and be made a Keeper of the Quaich.

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