Well, it’s back to working my way through the Scottish Distillery Tour group samples after taking a bit of a holiday break whilst breaking open a few new bottles of my own. This time it’s Glengoyne 12 year old. This one was supplied by my friend Scott, from Long Island. It’s a Highland malt, 43% ABV and is a golden yellow in color and produces runny, oily legs in the tasting glass. The nose is atypical of a Highland malt: caramel & toffee apple, tropical fruits, honey sweetness with a touch of charred oak barrel shining through. The palate starts out smooth, with some milk chocolate notes, that return back towards the nose with honey and vanilla. The oak is restrained here because the mouthfeel turns a bit flat. I wouldn’t call it oily, it just reminds me of a flat, soda pop type of feeling. Let’s just say it’s the opposite of lively. The dram kinda falls on its face here. It’s a shame because the nose and initial sip were solid. The finish is long and slippery, but quickly turns bitter. A very unpleasant bitter. Dammit. Overall, this one just doesn’t cut the mustard when it comes to highland style single malts. The nose starts out promising but the palate and mouthfeel don’t deliver, while the finish really kills it with the bitterness. Thanks to @Scott_E for this sample, but I just think that you may have to climb higher into the age statement offerings here if you want to see a Glengoyne that shines. 2.75 stars. Cheers.