Glengoyne Sherry Pedro Ximenez Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glengoyne Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Initially matured in ex-bourbon casks (likely second and third fill) before undergoing finishing in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
Age Statement: 14 years old, distilled in 1999 and bottled in 2014.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is expected to have a dark coloration due to the influence of the Pedro Ximenez sherry cask, which is known for its sweet and very dark sherry.
Bottle Design: Specific details about the bottle design were not mentioned, but it is a limited edition bottled for the European continent, making it a rare find.

Nose: Marzipan, pears, dark toffee, and wine gums (though the wine gum note was debated).
Taste: Chocolate, roasted almonds, cinnamon sticks, dried figs, spices, muscovado (cane sugar), and sultanas. The flavor profile is rich and complex, with a notable sweetness and fruitiness typical of Pedro Ximenez cask finishes.
Aftertaste: Sweet with a light winey note, and the pear flavor becomes stronger over time.

The Pedro Ximenez cask used for finishing is more than 60 years old, likely having matured sherry in a solera system. This aging process reduces the tannins, allowing the whisky to absorb the sherry's flavors without bitterness.

Pedro Ximenez is a type of sherry known for its sweetness and dark color, which significantly influences the whisky's flavor profile. The Glengoyne Distillery's choice to use such casks for finishing highlights the Scottish whisky industry's innovative approach to flavor enhancement through cask experimentation.

Horst Luening, the master taster, describes the whisky as a "wonderful sipping dram" and "dangerously sipping," indicating its high quality and the ease with which one can enjoy it.
He expresses a preference for a whisky that combines the smell of Palo Cortado with the taste of Pedro Ximenez, suggesting the high regard he has for the flavor profile achieved through this finishing process.

The Glengoyne Sherry Pedro Ximenez is a 14-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
It features a complex flavor profile with notes of marzipan, pears, chocolate, and dried figs, among others.
The use of a vintage Pedro Ximenez cask contributes to the whisky's unique taste, free from bitterness due to the reduced tannin content.
Horst Luening praises the whisky for its quality and enjoyable taste, making it a highly recommended sipper.

For the Sweet Tooth: Individuals who enjoy sweet and rich flavors in their whisky will find the Pedro Ximenez finish appealing.
For the Experienced Whisky Enthusiast: Those with a deep appreciation for the nuances of cask finishing and the impact of sherry on whisky will likely enjoy exploring this offering.
For Collectors: Given its limited availability and unique characteristics, collectors seeking rare or region-specific releases might be particularly interested in acquiring a bottle.