Glengoyne 12 - 43%

 

Situated just 14 miles north of Glasgow, Glengoyne Distillery occupies a unique location straddling the Highland Line, the division between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. Whilst Glengoyne’s production is located one side of the line in the Highlands, the maturation warehouses are situated just across the road in the Lowlands.

The distillery has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1833 and lays claim to being the “slowest whisky distiller in Scotland”. It also dries all its barley using warm air, thus avoiding the use of peat.

This 12 year old expression is produced from a combination of 60% refill oak casks, 20% first fill European oak Sherry casks and 20% first fill American oak ex-Bourbon casks.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Old gold, forms a thick line which develops which falls as slow, oily legs.

Nose: Coconut, pineapple, vanilla, lemon citrus, green apple and a hint of ginger spice.

Palate: Honey, pineapple, stewed apple, vanilla ice cream, butterscotch, ginger adds warmth

Finish: Butterscotch and vanilla linger before being gradually replaced by lemon drizzle cake, a hint of coffee bean and prickly ginger.

Summary: A rather enjoyable, easy drinking whisky with enough to keep the palate entertained. The emphasis is more on the toffee side of sweetness, helped along by fruity pineapple and that ginger spice. 

Priced under £40 it’s well priced for the quality, and I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed if I received a bottle as a gift.

If you would like more information on this whisky, or the Glengoyne distillery, follow the link to the company website.

Transparency: No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.