Whisky Review/Tasting: The Glen Breton 10 years Ice Wine Finish

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Canada, specifically from the Glenora Distillery.
Type: Single Malt Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: Matured for 10 years, with a finishing period of four months in ice wine barrels.
Age Statement: 10 years old.
ABV: 40%.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the influence of ice wine barrels may impart a unique hue.
Bottle Design: Not described in the transcript.

Balance of Flavors: Well-balanced with a smooth nose, a bigger taste, and a long, oaky aftertaste.
Unique Characteristics: The finishing in ice wine barrels from the Joost Winery in Nova Scotia adds a unique character, with notable flavors of white wine, vanilla, a mixture of fruits like apple and peaches, and a strong grape note. Spiciness and nuttiness from American oak are also present.
Comparison: The flavor profile is distinct due to the ice wine barrel finish, setting it apart from traditional Scotch whiskies and other single malts.

Legal Dispute: Glen Breton had a legal dispute with the Scotch Whisky Association over the use of the word "Glen," which was resolved in favor of Glen Breton due to the Scottish heritage of the Canadian immigrants who founded the distillery.
Heritage: The distillery's name, Glenora, and its practices are deeply rooted in Scottish tradition, brought over by Scottish immigrants to Canada.

Scottish Heritage in Canada: The distillery's story highlights the cultural heritage of Scottish immigrants in Canada and their influence on the whisky industry there.
Nova Scotia's Ice Wine: The use of Nova Scotia's ice wine barrels for finishing the whisky underscores the regional specialties and the innovative spirit of Canadian whisky production.

"North America's only single malt whisky distillery" - highlighting Glenora's unique position in the whisky world.
"Interesting. Wine. The aroma of white wine." - Horst Luening's initial reaction to the whisky's unique flavor profile.
"It's not that cheap, I'm afraid, and it's not that available worldwide." - Luening on the whisky's exclusivity and value.

Glen Breton 10 years Ice Wine Finish is a unique Canadian single malt whisky, aged for 10 years with a four-month finish in ice wine barrels.
The whisky features a well-balanced flavor profile with notes of white wine, vanilla, fruits, and a strong grape presence, along with spiciness and nuttiness from American oak.
The distillery's Scottish heritage and the legal dispute over the use of "Glen" add interesting historical and cultural context.
The use of ice wine barrels from Nova Scotia's Joost Winery adds a unique character to the whisky, making it a distinctive offering in the whisky world.
Expert opinion appreciates the whisky's balance, unique flavor profile, and the story behind its production, though it notes the whisky's relative scarcity and cost.

Whisky Enthusiasts Looking for Unique Finishes: Those interested in exploring how different barrel finishes can influence whisky flavor.
Collectors: Given its uniqueness and limited availability, this whisky might appeal to collectors seeking rare or unusual bottles.
Fans of Canadian Whisky: Individuals interested in the diversity of Canadian whisky and the innovative use of local ingredients and techniques.
Scotch Whisky Aficionados: Those curious about whiskies that bridge the gap between traditional Scotch and new-world innovations, given Glen Breton's Scottish heritage and production methods.