ScotchingHard
Glenkinchie 20 Year Brandy Cask Finish
Single Malt — Lowlands, Scotland
Reviewed
July 5, 2018 (edited July 6, 2018)
33 open bottles in my collection ranked through multiple blind tastings. Counting them down!
#3: Glenkinchie. Single Malt Scotch. 55.1% ABV. 20 years old. D1990/B2010
Paid $190
If I find another bottle at the same price, I am probably buying it.
Glenkinchie ,well-aged and at cask strength, is beautiful. The 24 year old special release, at $400-500 a bottle, I’m not sure is worth it. But if you can find this 20 year old for under $200, this is a recommended purchase. The nose is quintessential ex-bourbon matured scotch with a grassy edge. The palate is amazingly spirit-forward. A green attack of mint, eucalyptus, herbs, and grass. The fruitiness comes from green apples and cucumber. The finish is oaky, dry, and slightly smoky. This is mind-blowingly good, and makes me sad about the Glenkinchie core range, which is pretty uninspiring.
MARK: 93/100
PREVIOUSLY, ON BATMAN:
#4: Caol Ila Unpeated Style. $173. 55.9% ABV. 17 years old. 93/100.
#5: Paul John Peated Select Cask. $84. 55.5% ABV. NAS. 92/100.
#6: Redbreast. $96. 43% ABV. 15 years old. 92/100.
#7: Yamazaki. $74. 43% ABV. 12 years old. 92/100.
#8: Lagavulin. $70. 43% ABV. 16 years old. 91/100.
#9: Benromach. $65. 43%. 16 years. 91/100.
#10: Talisker Distiller’s Edition. $72. 45.8%. D2000/B2011. 91/100.
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Wow, another bottle from another distillery I didn’t expect to see in your top 5. Very interesting. Great review and I’ll have to keep an eye out for this bottle. Cheers.
@ScotchingHard. I don’t think I ever had a “bad” diageo special release. Just degrees of good. Will keep an eye out for this one
Ah interesting as as you say their entry level stuff is crap. I gave the 12 year a 2!