Glasgow 1770 Calvados Cask Finish - 58.7%

 

From the distillery 

A limited edition release of 270 bottles at 58.7% ABV. The contents of a single cask, our unpeated double distilled spirit filled on the 23rd of May 2017 into a first fill ex-bourbon cask and then laid to rest for two years and five months in a Calvados French brandy cask.

Bottled on the 20th of June 2023, this is a fruity and characterful single malt with notes of fresh green apple, poached pear, baked apple pie, and nutmeg spice.  

This is the first release of a Calvados finished single malt from our distillery - the orchard fruity characteristic gained from the finishing cask perfectly accentuates the fruity and rich character of our signature unpeated single malt whisky. 

Tasting notes

Appearance: Pale gold, forms a thin line which slowly falls as thick, oily legs.

Nose: A cornucopia of orchard fruit, fresh green apples, baked Bramleys, poached pears drizzled in honey, baking spices and a touch of vanilla ice cream.

Palate: Warm apple pie, a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, a slathering of light honey and a large scoop of Madagascan vanilla ice cream slowly melting on the top. With water, the spice is reduced to leave soft poached apples and pears.

Finish: The baking spices gradually take over, increasing the warmth. 

Overall: A really inviting dram, if apples and apple liqueurs are your thing you will love this. Highly approachable, this feels like one of those whiskies you pull out for people who say they don't like the taste of whisky. That said, this isn't just an easy-going dram for the novice, there's more than enough in here to keep most people happy. 

This one is presented at a healthy 58.7%, making a current retail price of just under £60 pretty good value for money.

Transparency: this sample pack was received free of charge for independent review. The author has no affiliation with the distillery, all opinions are my own and remain completely impartial.