Review 283. Glen Elgin 11 yo Watt Whisky 2024 release.

It’s a mere coincidence, but as it happens this week’s review focuses on another distillery that is currently ‘silent’. However, whereas the future of Glenglassaugh isn’t quite clear at the moment (although the always very knowledgeable Graham Fraser did mention there are signs Glenglassaugh may well be operating again soon, fingers crossed), the current inactivity at Diageo’s Glen Elgin distillery seems something completely different altogether. While production was paused around 2025, it was made clear from the beginning that by 2027 the distillery would be up and running again. And seeing how Diageo has no less than 30 distilleries at their ‘disposal’, it sort of makes sense that when it comes to planning and handling all things related to production, they take various factors into account. One being a micro level approach where each distillery is managed, controlled and overviewed in its own right. The other obviously being the macro level approach, where the whole of their ‘portfolio’ is being taken into account, as  different distilleries fulfill different purposes. A nice little analogy is to regard them as levers and cogwheels – parts of a big, massive machinery - which can be pulled, pushed, switched on or off, sped up and slowed down, depending on what’s deemed necessary. Unnencessary to mention that of course each decision has a huge impact on those people whose livelihood depends on those distilleries...

And likely this doesn’t really affect those malt distilleries with an established core range of single malts too much (the likes of, say,  Lagavulin or Talisker). Or at least ‘not as much’ as those distilleries who are mainly producing for Diageo’s extended range of blends. So in that regard Glen Elgin finds itself in the same boat as Teaninich: both currently silenced or paused. And while Glen Elgin, unlike Teaninich, has a core range (and I use this term rather loosely as its essentially 1 expression of their 12 yo),  with about 40,000 bottles sold each year it’s absolutely peanuts compared to the 2.5 million bottles of Lagavulin or the  4.5 million bottles of Talisker that are sold globally each year (numbers from 2023 sourced from the 2026 MWYB).

To be absolutely clear: that’s not a statement about Talisker or Lagavulin being better in any way, as the value of distilleries like Glen Elgin (or Teaninich) lies elsewhere: being a key component to blends. In the specific case of Glen Elgin, its name and fame comes from being a contributor to the world famous White Horse blend. A brand which sold over 20 million bottles last year. A figure which in turn absolutely humbles those aforementioned 2.5 and 4.5 million bottles of respectively Lagavulin and Talisker. Just to make the point that numbers, particularly sales numbers, can be relative and need to be taken into a broader perspective.

Glen Elgin 11 yo (2013 – 2024). Watt Whisky. 55.3% ABV, matured in a bourbon cask. 170 bottles, app. €80-€85, but mostly sold out.

Just because Glen Elgin ‘s official release isn’t a top seller, doesn’t mean there’s not  much of it around. According to whiskybase there are over a thousand bottlings of Glen Elgin in various shapes and forms, and obviously the vast majority comes from indie bottlers. With just some 60 official releases, there’s literally dozens and dozens of indie bottlers who’ve released at least one bottling of Glen Elgin (or in the case of the SMWS: over a hundred). And that of course makes sense, as it’s highly regarded by blenders for what it has to offer in terms of flavour, texture and overall  profile, meaning it tends to go down well with enthusiasts too. The fact that it’s equipped with worm tubs allowing them to make a distinctively fruity yet characterful, complex spirit might have something to do with that.

And yet, heading on to 7 years of whisky blogging, I do believe this is the very first Glen Elgin I’ll review. For shame!

Nose

Fruity! Orchard notes, quite some citrus and exotic fruit notes  (pineapple). A lemon-like sourness counter balances the sweeter notes. Not just from the fruit, but also from honey, pear drops and vanilla. There’s a creamy – lactic element as well as a chalk like mineral note. Busy, yet gentle - almost delicate even. Off to a very promising start, this!

Palate

As on the nose, there is  a lovely balance. Driven by a mixture of sweet fruit and honey, the sour citrus notes are less prominent. A clinging, viscous mouthfeel adds depth and complexity. Quite palatable neat, but I can suggest adding just a few drops of water as it helps to bring out that delicate chalk like mineral note.

Finish

Long, clinging and  warming, with gentle spicy- peppery echoes.

Final thoughts

A very lovely dram! Summer may be on its last legs here in Western Europe, but this takes you right back to a warm, late June evening. It has a lot to offer and it’s so endearing and charming that I found myself automatically wanting to take a deep dive into it and give it my full and undivided  attention. Mark and Kate from Watt whisky have done an excellent job with this cask. And I’m very grateful to my buddy Joe for offering me a sample of this! It might be a bit hard to track this down, but it’s definitely one to keep an eye out for!