Glenugie 1980 Deoch an Doras Chivas Brothers Cask Strength Edition 52.13% 700ml

The Glenugie 1980 Deoch an Doras Chivas Brothers Cask Strength Edition is a rare and highly sought-after whisky from the now-closed Glenugie distillery, located in the Highlands. Distilled in 1980 and bottled in 2011, this single malt has been matured for 30 years in cask, resulting in a complex and well-rounded flavor profile. This whisky is the second release in Chivas Brothers' Deoch an Doras series, which translates to 'One for the road'. The series features vintage whiskies from closed distilleries and this particular expression showcases the high-quality whisky that Glenugie was renowned for. The nose of this whisky offers a blend of oak spices, toasted brioche, bark, walnut, beeswax, wood smoke, mocha, damp earth, and rubbed mint leaves. With a drop of water, the aromas evolve, revealing mandarins and sweet ham. On the palate, the whisky is initially intense and spicy, with notes of grapefruit compote, spicy mango chutney, and passion fruit. When diluted with water, it becomes jammy and citrusy, featuring thick citrus liqueur, peppermint, and pepper. Additional tasting notes from enthusiasts describe wild and intriguing flavors such as noble salami on pumpernickel, plum, raisins, cherry, red gummy bears, sweet licorice, dark butter, oiled leather, aloe vera, sweet ginger, dark toffee, and flower meadow. The finish is very long, featuring plum, peach, baked apple, sweet malt, dark honey, and salami. This whisky offers a glimpse into the rich history and tradition of the Glenugie distillery, making it a true collector's item. Despite the slightly overpowering oak and pepper flavor due to an active cask, the complexity and depth of this whisky make it a standout addition to any collection.

FAQs

• What makes the Glenugie 1980 Deoch an Doras special?

  This whisky is a part of Chivas Brothers' Deoch an Doras series, which features rare and vintage whiskies from closed distilleries like Glenugie. Distilled in 1980 and aged for 30 years, it offers a complex and rich tasting experience.

• How should I serve Glenugie 1980 Deoch an Doras?

  It is recommended to serve this whisky neat or with a few drops of water to fully appreciate its complex flavor profile. Adding water can help unlock additional aromas and flavors.

• Is Glenugie 1980 Deoch an Doras a good investment?

  Yes, being a rare release from a closed distillery, it is highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs, making it a valuable addition to any collection.

Tasting notes

• Aroma: oak spices, toasted brioche, bark, walnut, beeswax, wood smoke, mocha, damp earth, rubbed mint leaves, mandarins, sweet ham, noble salami, plum, raisins, cherry, red gummy bears, sweet licorice, dark butter, oiled leather, aloe vera, sweet ginger, dark toffee, flower meadow
• Taste: intense, spicy, grapefruit compote, spicy mango chutney, passion fruit, jammy, citrusy, thick citrus liqueur, peppermint, pepper, pure plum wine, cherry juice, cinnamon syrup, dark honey, berry jam, candied ginger, mouth-filling, Demerara sugar, rose water, sparkling-dry, bacon in honey mantle, cocoa powder, coffee beans
• Finish: very long, plum, peach, baked apple, sweet malt, dark honey, salami
• Overall: This whisky offers an intense and multifaceted tasting experience. Initially spicy and complex, it transforms with the addition of water, revealing a sweeter, fruitier side. The well-rounded profile with a long finish makes this a true classic for collectors and connoisseurs.

Reviewer's opinion

The Glenugie 1980 Deoch an Doras is a remarkable and intriguing whisky that highlights the craftsmanship of the now-closed Glenugie distillery. Its complex and evolving flavor profile, from spicy and intense to sweet and jammy, makes it a must-try for whisky enthusiasts. Despite the slightly dominant oak and pepper notes, this whisky's depth and character shine through, making it a standout addition to any collection.