Nose: Dominating red wine influence, sherry, dark fruits and honeyed oak.
Palate: Quite sweet, buttery oakiness, lighter fruits than the nose would suggest and oak spice. Surprisingly heavier presence than typical highland at this price, but noticeable youthfulness as well.
Finish: Sherry and spices, goes down with more “oompf” than a entry highland, the 46% shows.
Overall: A conflicting dram for me: on one-hand, Glenglassaugh aimed to make a different entry-level highland single malt using sherry and wine casks, and the implementation was successful. On the other hand, the youthfulness and body really shows, in a detracting manner. I say this is worth a try, but unless strong wine cask is what you’re into, I doubt it will be anyone’s favorite. I would rate it 3 stars, but another 0.25 for novelty.
P.S.: At the risk of inciting drama, this dram is noticeably better in a copita glass than in a glencairn. The shape of the copita glass further intensifies the wine note in the nose at the cost of masking minor details, but it hides the alcohol and youthfulness as well; a good trade off.
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review