Glengoyne 12 Year

Stop number 55 on the SDT is Glengoyne. This Highland distillery sits just north of the Highland/Lowland borderline. The warehouses where the maturation takes place however, is actually across that border in the Lowlands. Coming in at 43% ABV, this 12 year old single malt is natural color of amber gold and is non chill filtered. The nose seems rather strong for 43%. Very fruity and malt forward. Oranges, apricots and green grapes. A light sherry influence with raisins and dates. Quite a bit of heather honey and barley sugar. A little vanilla but not much. Warm wood with a touch of sweet pipe tobacco and pickled ginger. A small amount of milk chocolate and salted caramels. After the first sip I’m able to pick up on mango/papaya, followed up by a quick hit of mint. A very typical Highland style nose, done fairly well. A somewhat restrained arrival after the nose promised something a little stronger. It tries to make a big showing but falls a little short. Perhaps another 3% ABV would have done the trick. Very fruity. Oranges, apricots, raisins. Oak and cardboard with a little toasted coconut feel. Heather honey and barley, salted caramels and a touch of pepper. Even though this is unpeated and the barley is completely air dried, I detect a faint wood smoke. Probably just my mind playing tricks on me. Light to medium bodied mouthfeel. A bit thin, but quite mouthwatering. A fairly long finish that is fruity, honeyed and dry. A bit of everything going on here except peat. A quintessential Highland malt. Fruity, spirit driven with the casks doing the navigating. I would give this higher marks if it was but a bit stronger. This really has the potential to be great. At the price of $54, it’s a pretty good value for money for a 12 year old. As is, I would not buy a full bottle as it’s pretty middle of the pack. Clean and well put together though. Thanks to @Scott_E for the sample. 3.75-4. Cheers

4,5