Glen Scotia 12 Single Cask exclusively for '25 years of Whisky.de'
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Glen Scotia Distillery, located in the Campbeltown area, the Mull of Kintyre peninsula.
- Type: Single Cask, Vintage 2005, exclusively bottled for the German market.
- Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in 2005 and bottled in December 2017, making it a 12-year-old whisky. It is cask strength, uncolored, and unchill filtered.
- Age Statement: Although not explicitly stated, the distillation and bottling years allow for the calculation of its age, approximately 12 years.
- Color and Bottle Design: The whisky is described as having a natural color, with the bottle design not specifically mentioned in the transcript.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex balance of gentle smoke, sweetness, and spiciness, with a notable shift in flavor profile from the nose to the palate after dilution.
- Unique Characteristics: It features a light peatiness (6-8 PPM), with initial notes of butterscotch, juicy pineapple, and cinnamon spiciness, transitioning to vanilla, fudge, chocolate, and a hint of tropical fruitiness.
- Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique combination of light smoke, sweetness, and fruitiness sets it apart.
Whisky Storytelling
- Distillery Changes: Glen Scotia has undergone ownership changes, with a financial company acquiring it in 2014, leading to a refreshed range of whiskies and the introduction of vintages like this one.
- Visual Transformation: The distillery's appearance changed from its natural brick granite color to white, aimed at enhancing its street-facing facade.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Campbeltown's Distilling History: Campbeltown, once home to over three dozen distilleries, has a rich distilling heritage, though it has seen a decline in peat availability due to historical overuse.
- Geographical Location: The distillery's setting in a residential area of Campbeltown, near a NATO base with remaining peat reserves, adds to its unique story.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "Gentle smoke lurks in the background...finishing on cinnamon spiciness" - Describes the whisky's nuanced flavor profile.
- "It's a nice pleasant sipping whisky" - Highlights the whisky's overall appeal and drinkability.
Summary
- Glen Scotia 12 Single Cask is a unique, cask strength whisky with a 12-year maturation period.
- It offers a complex flavor profile of light smoke, sweetness, and spice, with notable shifts in taste upon dilution.
- The distillery's history, including ownership changes and its geographical significance, adds depth to the whisky's story.
- Described as a pleasant sipping whisky, it stands out for its balance of flavors and gentle peatiness.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Peat Enthusiasts Looking for Subtlety: Those who appreciate peated whiskies but seek a gentler, more nuanced smoke profile.
- Sweet Profile Admirers: Individuals who enjoy whiskies with prominent notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and chocolate.
- Whisky Collectors: Collectors interested in limited edition, single cask bottlings with a unique story and geographical significance.
- Beginners to Cask Strength Whiskies: Newcomers curious about exploring cask strength whiskies, given its approachable flavor profile and the possibility to dilute to taste.