Style: Single malt Scotch whisky
Age: 15 years
Proof: 86 (43% ABV)
Region: The Highlands
The Glengoyne traces its history back to Scotland’s rich history of clandestine, illicit distillation. Similar to the bootlegging of spirits during American prohibition, a generation of whisky producers crafted delicious single malts completely off the grid, hoping to avoid taxation. Of course today, production of Glengoyne is all above board, but that doesn’t mean they’ve abandoned their centuries-old methods. The distillery proudly boasts the slowest distillation in Scotland, meaning the liquid that comes off of the stills is rich, viscous, and full-flavored. This new 15-year-old expression is the latest addition to Glengoyne’s portfolio of single malt whiskies. Aged in both ex-bourbon and sherry casks, this whisky promises a balanced addition of rich dried fruit, spice, and vanilla on top of its trademark, slowly-distilled white dog. Here’s a review of Glengoyne’s new Scotch whisky.
Tasting notes
This 15-year-old whisky has a rich, hearty, and dessert-like aroma of baked red apple and buttery caramel with notes of dried peach – just imagine a caramel-coated apple. Sweet Honeycrisp apple, salted caramel and fig coat the palate, while notes of malted barley and allspice round things out. The finish is long and creamy with a note of salted caramel taking center stage.
Final thoughts
Glengoyne’s new 15-year-old expression is going to be a people-pleaser. It perfectly balances flavors of dried fruit, baked apple, baking spice, and caramel to create an approachable flavor profile without sacrificing any complexity or depth. The prevalent flavors of orchard fruit and caramel are balanced with surprising bursts of salt, spice, and grain. For Scotch drinkers who enjoy a dram of Highland whisky, this bottle is not to be missed.
