Whisky Review/Tasting: Glengoyne 18 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glengoyne Distillery, located near the border between the Lowlands and the Highlands of Scotland.
Type: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Process: Noted for having the slowest distillation process in Scotland, which is believed to enhance quality by better separating alcohol from fusel oils.
Maturation Process: Aged for 18 years with a generous proportion of first-fill sherry casks, alongside ex-bourbon casks, hogsheads, and refill casks.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Color and Clarity: Dark color, indicative of the significant sherry cask influence. It is not colored artificially.
Bottle Design: The packaging highlights Robbie Hughes, the distillery manager, and emphasizes the whisky's flavor profile and maturation process.

Balance of Flavors: Well-rounded, complex, with a balance between sweetness, spiciness, and oakiness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its intense sherry flavor, with less sweetness compared to the 10-year-old version. It features dark fruits, honey melon, a little banana, marzipan, and a hint of marmalade with slight bitter orange peels.
Comparison: More complex and darker than the 10-year-old Glengoyne, with a more settled and mature flavor profile.

Distillery Ownership: Glengoyne was bought in 2003 by the independent bottler Ian Macleod, who revamped the whisky range, including changing the 17-year-old to an 18-year-old expression.
Distillation Philosophy: The distillery prides itself on the slow distillation process, which is a point of distinction in modern times where there is a trend towards more intense flavors.

Geographical Location: The distillery's unique position close to the Lowlands and Highlands border, a line drawn by tax authorities centuries ago, plays into its identity and heritage.

"Slow distillation means quality."
"A lot more complex, a lot darker than the ten-year-old but very rounded."
"Everything is sweet in the moment. Mouthwatering. Spiciness appearing. Volcanous. Huge volume."

Glengoyne 18 years is a Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, matured with a significant proportion of first-fill sherry casks.
It features a complex and well-rounded flavor profile with a balance between sweetness, spiciness, and oakiness, and less sweetness compared to its 10-year-old counterpart.
The distillery is known for the slowest distillation process in Scotland, emphasizing quality.
The geographical location near the Lowlands and Highlands border adds to its unique identity.
Expert opinions highlight the whisky's complexity, quality, and the distinctive slow distillation process.

For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complexity and unique maturation process make this an excellent choice for those who appreciate nuanced flavors and the craftsmanship behind whisky production.
For the Sherry Cask Enthusiast: Individuals who enjoy the rich, fruity, and spicy notes typically imparted by sherry cask maturation will find this whisky particularly appealing.
For the Whisky Collector: The story behind the distillery's ownership change, the transition from a 17 to an 18-year-old expression, and the slow distillation process add collectible value.