Glen Scotia 15 Year

Glen Scotia’s 2015 re-launch was my first foray into Campbeltown single malts. At the time, you could find bottles of Glen Scotia 15 for a little over $50, not unlike another reliable 15 yo, Dalwhinnie 15. As I’ve been re-evaluating my shopping list of late, I see this bottle has been creeping up quite a bit, closer to $70, $75. It seems all the free advertising I did by bringing this bottle to whisky nights paid off for them. Or, more likely, they finally figured out what a winner they had on their hands and reappraised it accordingly. (I also wouldn’t be surprised if the 2019 buyout was responsible for the latest price bump I witnessed this year...) In any case, let’s find out more about this whisky and if it still warrants a purchase at its new price point. Straight out of the bottle, it has a lot going for it already. Bottled at 46% ABV and non-chillfiltered, with a pleasantly viscous appearance. Distiller says its barreled in ex-bourbon casks, but the bottle and information I’ve found says American oak - no mention of bourbon. My only complaint is that coloring is added - of all the whiskies I’ve sampled, this one is pretty high up on my list for unnecessary colorant. Nose: Rich vanilla oak. Fruity and herbal notes that remind me of a white peach tea I’ve had before. A bit of sea spray. Palate: Rich and decadent. Sweet and salty honey up front, followed by delicious bready malt, bits of chocolate, stone fruits, vanilla oak, baking spices, and autumn leaves. The mouthfeel on this dram is nothing short of impressive - incredibly smooth tannins, perfect acidity, and sumptuous oils. There’s not a off-note or harsh feeling to be found. Harmonious. Finish: Moderately long, with sweetness leading, followed by more sea spray and vanilla oak that lingers and lingers and never goes bitter. This is a solid, balanced, well-executed dram that really lets the quality of the malt and the casks speak for themselves. I’ve heard Glen Scotia 15 described as a basic, introductory malt - I think that’s accurate but also unfair. It makes a great introductory malt for being so approachable, yet approachability doesn’t mean this has any less interesting or appealing character to offer. In fact, those new to whisky might miss the full potential this dram has to offer. Verdict? I’m keeping a bottle around for now, even if it’s $70. 4.25 ~ 92 ~ Excellent

Kinda surprised I haven't gotten to this one yet. So I'm realizing as I do these reviews here, i'd never really picked up on the salt notes in the nose or the differerent flavor profiles I get from oak on some of these scotches. I feel with it however I'm starting to get it with everything. Nose - some ash, salt, and I'm getting a mix of bourbon's vanilla and some red fruits from I would assume light sherry cask maturation (certainly has the color of sherry casks though the bottle only mentions american oak so perhaps the malt is giving off some red fruits itself and wow on the color). Possible this has been colored unfortunately. Maybe a jam over toast (feel like I get that a lot of campbeltown). Taste - Oh yeah this is cambeltown at it's best. Oak forward notes and the sweet flavors, builds up into salty brine and this incredible finish. I want to say some kind of salted, chocolate, menthol, spiced bread of some sort and well yes vanilla. I'm a sucker for this. It's incredibly complex and I want to say there is about 70 bucks. Would I get this or a springbank 10 year? Well I'm getting both! But the 10 might be a hair better. Either way 2.75 to match the 10 year. This or the springbank 10 are where people with a limited budget need to get into Cambeltown. They showcase the region and while expensive they've at least more affordable. Oh and this is my wheel house so I LOVE this stuff, but objectively the quality doesn't push way up for those wondering why the score isn't higher. 3.0's are very VERY good whisky and while there's nothing wrong with this I think it's missing that WOW element that someone who doesn't care for this profile might still decide they want it.

Moderate Carmel Moderate Peat and seaweed

Nose: a bit spicy, oak, smooth, pear, fruity, apricot Palate spicy, a bit smoky, oaky notes, a bit burning, strong taste. Long powerful finish. I very like this one.

Spicy, chocolaty and deep with a nice malty finish. Definitely worth picking up a bottle if you see it.

Strong alcohol nose. Decent flavor but a bit overpowering. Smooth finish with a few fruity hints

Very intense briny peat and dark fruit notes. A fantastic Campbeltown - but this is not a casual sipper!