Glengoyne 18 - 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 18 year old expression is produced from a combination of 35% First Fill European Oak Sherry casks, 15% First Fill American Oak Sherry casks and 50% Oak Refill casks.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Amber gold, forms a thick line which develops into an inverted crown before falling as slow, oily legs.
Nose: Dried fruit, orange peel, oatcakes, nutty almond, soft brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Palate: Sultanas, Demerara sugar, Seville orange marmalade, toasted almonds and cinnamon heat. A few drops of water bring more citrus notes and a marzipan note.
Finish: Slightly drying, nutty wood and prickly chilli and cinnamon. With water, marzipan comes more prominent and extends the length of the finish.
Summary: It came as a bit of a surprise that I didn’t find this whisky as interesting or enjoyable as the 12 year old expression. Whilst the nose promises much, from there on it feels a little lacklustre and lacking complexity. Despite the maturation in first fill and refill sherry casks, the cask influence is noticeable but a little subdued.
Whilst improved in terms of balance with a few drops of water, this comes at the expense of the overall flavour profile. At the same time, you can’t help but wonder how much better this expression could be at a slightly higher abv and without the chill filtration.
That said, it’s not a bad whisky, it just leaves me with the feeling it could be so much better. In its present form, it’s not a whisky on which I could justify spending close to £120.
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.
