Tastes

NOSE: Not a refined nose. Heavy on oily grains. Some butter and lacquer. PALATE: Some more butter, burnt caramel, maybe clove. Very light finish.

Amazing natural copper amber hue. Easily looks like 20+ year Scotch. No legs to speak of though. Nose 93 Packs a good punch at 59.4%, but not as fiery as some other cask strength bottles. Can be sniffed as such without diluting. It’s all those lovely sherry notes of marzipan and blood orange marmalade, but carried with dark, deep, roasted coffee grounds. That’s contrasted with a very sweet burnt caramel. Hints of ageing with walnuts and old wood. Very impressed with the ageing and depth. Taste 89 Had to add a few drops of water to tame the fire. Burnt caramel, orange zest, clove and cinnamon are all very prominent. It’s not sweet as the nose suggests. This is spicy, fruity, and very deep. Finish 93 Mint chocolate and cinnamon for ages.

NOSE: It balances strong sulphuric notes with sharp spices and soft dark fruits. Pinch of salt. I think it nails it. It’s powerful at 46%. No peat but there’s a charcoal element there. Balanced yet complex. PALATE: Matches the strong nose with powerful flavors. Candied ginger. Gingerbread. Ends on warming sweet ceylon cinnamon. There’s a transition from spicy to sweet and back to spicy. OVERALL: First Glengoyne but I’m immediately buying the “slow” concept. It just feels like something made with care.

Basic bourbon. It’s okay. Little astringent in there.

NOSE: Pretty strong for Glenfiddich. A little salty and tangy. Toffee and sea spray? Maybe some grain toast. PALATE: Sweet toffee, turns into cinnamon spice. Finish is minty and peppery. Pepperminty? OVERALL: Much more powerful than you’d expect. Pleasant surprise.

NOSE: Pretty grainy initial impression. Caramel. Vanilla. Some butter. PALATE: Sweet caramel and brown butter. Rich thick cream. Mildly spicy finish of candied ginger and baked cinnamon. Deelicious. OVERALL: Luscious exquisite palate, somewhat let down by a simple nose.