Glen Elgin 2008/2020 - Sansibar

2025-04-21 Sometimes you come across a whisky that makes you wonder: ‘Why exactly was this bottled?’ The Glen Elgin 2008/2020 from Zanzibar is such a case. With a whopping 58.7% ABV, it comes across as a powerhouse - but unfortunately there is little substance behind the impressive figure.
Glen Elgin 2008/2020 - Sansibar
Glen Elgin 2008/2020 - Sansibar
Single Malt | No Age Statement | 58,70 % ABV. | 227,00 €/l | Glen Elgin Distillery | bottled by Sansibar | made in Scotland (Speyside) | Whiskybase ID 250095

Nose

To be honest: the nose gives hope. Nougat meets vanilla, plus an interesting herbal note with sage and a hint of herbal tea. There is also a hint of pear, which adds a certain freshness. Everything has been good so far - but unfortunately it doesn't stop there.

Taste

Sobering. Yes, there is vanilla. Yes, it's creamy. But then? Then... Nothing. Thin on the palate, as if someone had forgotten to fill it with flavours. A little light fruity sweetness, but overall? Boring.

Finish

The finish? Juicy, slightly vanilla-like, a hint of oak. Sounds nice, but doesn't linger. It's gone as quickly as it comes - as if it's in a hurry to shirk its responsibilities.

Thoughts

This Glen Elgin is like an empty promise. The nose is enticing, but it remains flat and one-dimensional on the tongue. A high alcohol content alone is not enough to make an impression. Friends of intense, full-bodied drams will be bitterly disappointed here. Those who like to drink high-proof water can try it - everyone else is better off keeping their hands off it.

Rating: 69/100 - Good (Marcel: 69 | Sascha: 69)

Value for Money: 1/5 - Very expensive

Preview Image Source: Whiskybase
 
About us
How we evaluate