Whisky 1901 Presents its Debut Limited‑Edition Bottled Scotch
Imagine stumbling across a rare diamond in the sea of bottles that line every whisky lover’s shelf. That’s exactly what Whisky 1901 has done with its first hand‑bottled single‑cask marvel – a 1988 Glenburgie Speyside expression, lovingly curated and numbered only 263 times.
What’s Inside the Bottle?
- Origin: Glenburgie distillery – the “valley of the fort” where the barley is kissed by Highland air.
- Batch: No. 14483 – an ex‑bourbon cask, finishing on 4th October 1988.
- Size & Strength: 70 cl at 45.1 % ABV.
- Price: £1 325 (VAT included) – premium, but only for those who appreciate the extraordinary.
- Release Dates:
- Scottish launch: 22 June 2024 at The Renaissance, Edinburgh.
- London debut: 26‑28 July 2024 at The Game Fair, Blenheim Palace – Whisky 1901’s official partner spot.
- Hands‑On Bottling: Crafted on 17 May 2024 at Whisky 1901’s Glenrothes warehouse in Fife.
Why This Is a Big Deal
It’s a rare single‑cask from a distillery that usually loves to pool its glory into blended whiskies. And with a name like Glenburgie 1988, you’re basically tasting a snapshot of a particular moment in the distillery’s history – a “one‑of‑a‑kind” masterpiece that never comes back. As CEO Aaron Damiano Sparkes muses, “Every cask is a unique story. You can’t duplicate a single bottle’s journey again.”
Lab‑Rats and Medals
- Silver medal – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Gold medal – Global Scotch Whisky Masters (hosted by The Spirits Business Magazine)
- Bronze award – International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
Three applause‑worthy wins for a first‑ever launch – that’s the ticket to the “glittering” side of the whisky world.
Flavor Pop – From Nose to Palate
Taste notes: It starts with golden vanilla and butterscotch, then leaps into jubilant tropical fruit – think peach & pineapple dancing on the tongue. A breeze of green apple and hazelnut praline holds for the road to a buttery finish. Underneath, a splash of white pepper gives a subtle spice that pairs nicely with slightly toasted oak and a touch of candle wax aroma.
The palate is silky, almost oily, yet robust: apricot jam, milk chocolate, and toffee swirl together with a hint of blackcurrant leaf. A touch of gingerbread and cocoa powder marries a smoky charred oak with a citrus note that keeps the experience fresh.
Adding a splash of water? It loosens the oak heft and lets the sweeter greens shine through. It’s like pouring a scoop of vanilla ice cream into a luscious butterscotch drizzle – pure indulgence.
Takeaway
Whisky 1901’s Glenburgie 1988 marks the start of a sparkling “Collection” – a series that will flash onto shelves whenever we discover casks that deserve the spotlight. For the hunting board in the larder with a taste for something truly special, this bottle is your new trophy.
Want the hottest updates on this launch? Subscribe now and keep the whisky feed fresh right on your device.
