Glenburgie 1997 24 Years - Ralph Steadman X Cask 88
Whisky is more than just enjoyment - it is craft, history and sometimes art. The Ralph Steadman Collection is dedicated to precisely this approach in collaboration with the independent bottler Cask 88. Each bottle not only carries a precious drop, but also an individual artwork by Ralph Steadman. At Glenburgie, everything revolves around the cooperage and distilling of the casks: "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."
Tasting Notes
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.
Palate
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
Marcel 89/100
A dramatic Glenburgie that really excites with its wild cask intensity and robust character – even if it doesn’t quite hold the stage in the finish that you’d hope for. This controlled chaos tastes of adventure and fine craftsmanship, exactly what makes a whisky with edges and quirks so thrilling.
Sascha 88/100
The Glenburgie 1997 clearly showcases cask dominance, which provides a striking structure but somewhat limits balance and complexity. Despite its impressive power, the finish feels comparatively short, slightly holding back the overall impression; nevertheless, the whisky remains a technically solid example of intense cask management.
Value for Money: No rating
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Cask 88. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
Related Reviews
Craigellachie 2012/2023 10 Years - Signatory Vintage
The Craigellachie Distillery is known for its strong, malty whiskies with plenty of structure and character. But in the hands of the independent bottler Signatory Vintage, it often becomes even more intense. At 67.4% ABV, this is a whisky that challenges connoisseurs, but also rewards them - with intense sherry flavours, dark fruits and impressive depth.
86/100
Secret Speyside (M) 2024 17 Years The Tasteful 8 - Brühler Whiskyhaus
Mysterious bottlings have their own appeal - and when a whisky from Speyside comes along with 17 years of maturation and a whopping 53.7% ABV, it's worth taking a closer look (and a sip). The Secret Speyside (M) 2024 from ‘The Tasteful 8’ series from the Brühl whisky house is mysterious, but there are indications that a famous name is involved here ...
81/100
Caperdonich 2024 27 Years The Tasteful 8 - Brühler Whiskyhaus
The Caperdonich Distillery is one of the vanished legends of the Scotch whisky world. Closed in 2002 and finally demolished in 2011, its bottlings are now coveted rarities.
81/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the charring of the casks influence the flavor of the Glenburgie 1997 24 years?
The charring of the casks intensifies the wood notes and brings a pronounced cask spice to the whisky. It also enhances the leathery character and creates the distinctive, slightly bitter finish that balances the sweet sherry aromas.
Why does the Glenburgie 1997 taste mild on the palate despite its 55.2% alcohol content?
The long maturation of 24 years and the carefully selected cask combination result in a soft structure that delivers a surprisingly mild yet complex flavor despite the high alcohol strength.
What makes the Ralph Steadman X Cask 88 Edition of the Glenburgie 1997 special?
This edition pairs high-quality, handpicked whisky with unique artwork by Ralph Steadman, visually representing the charring of the casks and thereby highlighting the fusion of craftsmanship and art.