After the batch of the gorgeous Cask Strength, we look forward to tasting another expression from the new core range of Glengoyne Distillery (where Ken Loach’s Angel’s Share was filmed). This 15 yo is halfway between the “kids” 10 and 12 yo and the “adults” 18 and 21 yo. In medio stat virtus?
N: the alcohol is rather evident. The first nose is surprising: rust and gravy sauce. It’s swinging between a classical sherried side (wet cellar, red fruits under spirits, apricots, sultanas and burnt brown sugar) and a fresher and carefree part, with vanilla and malt. Loads of oranges, too, with a faint hint of ink. There’s something younger than expected. Anyway, it’s very intense, open and pleasant. We must say it’s well-built.
P: Glengoyne to the bone. Here the alcoholic part is hardly noticeable, it’s very gentle, with an interesting combination of light body and intense flavours. It’s not common to find a whisky both easy drinking and robustly tasty. The dirty notes of the nose disappear on the palate: it’s incredibly clean now. Buckets of red fruits (strawberry and blueberry jam) and oily dried fruits (nuts and hazelnuts). Bitter chocolate with so much nice malt, reminding us of traditional rusks.
F: wonderfully clean, focused on malt and nuts, with splashes of red fruits.
We strongly believe that the new Glengoyne bottlings are definetely above the average. This 15 yo is appreciated for its drinkability and character. The DNA of the Dumgoyne distillery – with its malty flavours – is so far the main star of the show. Maybe the only limit is this solid golden rule: the whisky must taste like its main ingredient, the barley. But simplicity is not a crime: 86/100.
Recommended soundtrack: Bastille, with its cover version of Miley Cyrus’ We can’t stop.
