Glenlossie 1997/2016 19 Years - Signatory Vintage
A classic Speysider with 19 years of maturation, bottled by the independent bottler Signatory Vintage - this sounds like an exciting dram for fans of elegant, grain-driven whiskies. The Glenlossie 1997/2016, bottled at 46% vol., promises an honest, unadulterated look at the underrated Glenlossie distillery in Scotland's Speyside.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Right from the first whiff, this whisky shows its fruity, cereal side: ripe apples and pears dominate, accompanied by notes reminiscent of oatmeal and crunchy muesli. A typical ‘muesli whisky’ - charming, but without much show.
Palate
On the palate, there is a slight spiciness that quickly combines with peach and apple notes. A hint of astringency provides some depth, while malt and wood give the Glenlossie structure. No flavour fireworks, but solid and pleasant to drink.
Finish
The finish is rather short, but brings a good portion of oak. It finishes dry and wood-accentuated - clean, but not particularly complex.
Thoughts
Marcel 77/100
Easygoing and straightforward, the Glenlossie 1997/2016 is a real pleasure for relaxed sipping. It delivers sweet fruit aromas and a malty note with charm, without overwhelming the palate – ideal for anyone looking for an accessible Speyside whisky that doesn’t try to be overly complicated.
Sascha 77/100
The Glenlossie 1997/2016 presents a solid, balanced structure with clearly defined fruit and malt notes, though it remains somewhat reserved in the background. The short, wood-driven finish makes it a reliable representative of its category, albeit without exceptional complexity.
Value for Money: Excellent
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What makes the Glenlossie 1997/2016 19 Years from Signatory Vintage special compared to other Speyside whiskies?
The Glenlossie 1997/2016 is distinguished by its subtle, grain-forward aroma profile, which is typical for the Glenlossie distillery. With 19 years of maturation and a bottling from the independent bottler Signatory Vintage, it offers an honest and unadulterated glimpse into a often underrated Speysider that doesn’t rely on dramatic effects but impresses with its fine fruitiness and malt notes.
How does the 19-year aging influence the flavor of this Glenlossie whisky?
The extended 19-year maturation allows the fruity notes of apples and pears to meld well with malty and woody aromas. The oak in the finish adds a dry, structured element, while the slight sharpness on the palate is softened by the aging, giving the whisky a balanced and solid character.
Why is the Glenlossie 1997/2016 bottled at 46% ABV and how does this affect the drinking experience?
Bottled at 46% ABV, which is above the standard 40 to 43%, this whisky gains more intensity and presence without overpowering. This strength supports the diversity of aromas, especially the fruity and malty notes, and provides a fuller body that clearly and authentically conveys the character of Glenlossie.