Glen Scotia First Fill Ruby Port Cask Finish - Club Bottle 2023 | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glen Scotia Distillery, located in the town of Campbeltown, on the Kintyre peninsula, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Aged for 10 years, with 9 years in first-fill bourbon casks (American white oak) followed by a 6-month finish in Ruby Port casks. An additional one-month marrying period was included.
Age Statement: 10 years.
Color and Clarity: Not colored, not chill-filtered, maintaining natural clarity and color.
Bottle Design: The label mistakenly omits the word "finish," but the correct information is on the bottle. The design reflects the whisky's Ruby Port cask finish.

Balance of Flavors: Begins with a fruity and sweet profile, transitioning to oaky and spicy notes, ending with a bittersweet chocolate finish.
Unique Characteristics: The Ruby Port cask finish contributes to a complex flavor profile, including strawberries, apples, flowery top notes, almonds, and a hint of chocolate.
Comparison: While specific comparisons aren't made, the Ruby Port cask finish distinguishes it from other whiskies by adding unique berry and floral notes.

Distillery Anecdotes: Glen Scotia has a very old mash tun and is part of the Loch Lomond Group. The distillery's remote location in Campbeltown adds to its charm and exclusivity.
Production Process: The selection process for the club bottling involved choosing from many samples, followed by a finishing period and bottling.

Campbeltown's Legacy: Glen Scotia is one of the few remaining distilleries in Campbeltown, once known as the "whisky capital of the world." Its remote location and the distillery's traditional methods contribute to the whisky's unique character.

"This single malt is hitting your tongue with a big oaky character, a lot of spiciness coming through." - Benedikt Luening
"You start off with the strawberries, the floweriness, the sweetness... and you end up... with a bit of a bittersweet chocolate type in there." - Horst Luening

Glen Scotia's Club Bottle 2023 is a 10-year-old single malt finished in Ruby Port casks, offering a complex flavor profile that transitions from fruity and sweet to oaky and spicy, with a bittersweet chocolate finish.
The whisky is part of a special club offering from whisky.com, providing members with discounts and access to exclusive sales.
The distillery's location in Campbeltown and its traditional production methods add to the whisky's unique character and story.

For Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the effects of port cask finishes on whisky will find this bottling intriguing.
For Collectors: The limited nature of this club bottling, along with its unique flavor profile and story, makes it a valuable addition to any collection.
For New Whisky Drinkers: The balanced and evolving flavor profile provides an accessible yet complex experience that can help new drinkers appreciate the nuances of whisky tasting.