Glenburgie 1997 24 Year Old - Ralph Steadman X Cask 88
"An essential part of the coopering process, cask firing is arguably the most spectacularly dramatic part of the whisky making process. The incredible intensity of the flames captured by Ralph Steadman in his arresting illustration mirrors the intense richness and unrelentingly long finish of this hand-selected cask."
Nose
From the very first nosing, it is clear that no expense has been spared here. The whisky opens with an almost classic sherry flavour - sweet, dark, deep. Aromas of sultanas, dates and ripe red fruits rise to the nose, accompanied by delicate notes of plum and a hint of milk chocolate. The slightly tart undertone is interesting, grounding the fragrance and preventing it from tipping over into pompousness.
Taste
The picture continues on the palate: dark fruits in a rich guise, plus strong woody notes, some spice and a striking leatheriness. Despite the high alcohol content, the whisky is surprisingly smooth - you almost forget that you are dealing with 55.2 % vol. The structure is soft, but not without backbone. It is a heavy dram, a whisky that demands attention. And this is precisely its strength - and perhaps also its weakness.
Finish
After such an intense start, you almost expect a long finish - but this is exactly where Glenburgie surprises. The finish is rather medium in length, characterised by wood spice, a hint of bitterness and leather notes. The sweetness from the start recedes somewhat, with the cask presence dominating instead.
Thoughts
As impressive as the artwork and the external presentation are - in the end, it's what happens in the glass that counts. And here it becomes clear: the Glenburgie 1997 is a strong dram with a lot of character. But it falls just short of the absolute top. The intensity of the wood overshadows the complexity at times, the finish is a little shorter than hoped for and that little bit of magic that turns a great whisky into a legend doesn't quite materialise.
But perhaps it is precisely this small imperfection that makes it interesting. Because like the burn-out of the cask, this whisky is also a controlled chaos - wild, hot, beautiful.
Rating: 89/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 89 | Sascha: 88)
Preview Image Source: Cask 88
Further Information
Cask Type: 1st Fill Sherry ButtCask Number: 9318
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ What makes the Ralph Steadman Collection so special?
👉 The Ralph Steadman Collection is a collaboration between the well-known artist Ralph Steadman and the independent bottler Cask 88. Each bottle combines high-quality whisky with individual art - in addition to the precious drop, each bottle bears a unique artwork by Ralph Steadman. For Glenburgie 1997, the illustration takes the cooperage and burnout of the casks as its theme, combining the intense look of flames with the rich, long-lasting character of the whisky. It is more than just a spirit - it is craft, history and art all rolled into one.
❓ What is cask burnout and why is it so important for whisky?
👉 Burning out the casks is an essential part of the cooperage process and is considered the most spectacular part of whisky production. The inner walls of the wooden barrels are treated with intense flames, which Ralph Steadman has captured in his captivating illustration. The incredible intensity of the flames caramelises the surface of the wood and creates a layer of charred wood that gives the whisky its characteristic flavours.
❓ What is the best way to enjoy Glenburgie 1997?
👉 With such an intense and characterful whisky at 55.2% vol., it is advisable to try it neat first to fully appreciate its complexity. Give the whisky time to breathe - leave it in the glass for around 10-15 minutes to allow the flavours to fully develop. A few drops of still water can help to soften the alcoholic sharpness and release further nuances of flavour. Use a tulip-shaped nosing glass to optimally concentrate the intense sherry flavours. Take your time with this "heavy dram" - it demands attention and rewards patient tasting with its impressive depth and the characteristic "controlled chaos" of its flavours.