In addition to the nice Glenlivet I reviewed the other day, G&M have bottled a 2004 vintage Glenturret, at 14 years of age for TWE as part of the the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Connoisseurs Choice label. This is a big sherried dram, and by the color of it I was sure it was aged in a first-fill Sherry cask, but actually G&M used a refill sherry hogshead to age this sherry monster.
Glenturret 2004, 14 yo – G&M for TWE , 55.1% ABV , £94.95 [TWE]
Nose: Big sherry , in spite of the re-fill cask it’s quite the sherry bomb. Some rubber and gunpowder notes in there (Sulfur, yea that) , and it takes some time to mellow down. Give it time and some of the ‘off’ notes will be gone or toned down. dried prunes , dried figs, and also red berries abound, aniseed and earthy notes. A bit too rich and sweet, i can not put my finger on it, maybe the sulfur notes…
Palate: Big meaty sherry, with a hint of soot, oily and thick with berries, black plums and cherry marmalade, dark chocolate, raisin, and candied orange peels, which tones down the sweet jam like fruity goodness.
Finish: Bitter sweet, with pepper, berries and a touch of bitter chocolate and espresso.
Conclusion: As much as I like some sulfur in my whisky, this one was a tad too much at first sniff, but certainly it got nicer with time, and it needs patience and time to settle down. If you’re not fond of sulfur notes, this one’s certainly not for you, but if you are a fan, than It’s a funky yet enjoyable one. Not cheap at all mind you.
Score: 84/100
Available online at TWE online shop