Glen Scotia 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Deceptively complex. Distinctively Campbeltown.

While Glen Scotia has been in the shadow of its famous neighbour, 'Springbank' for almost two centuries, a 2014 takeover may soon change that. Loch Lomond Group's new management has also introduced a new Master Distiller: John Peterson. Boasting over 40 years of industry accomplishments, results are already in the bag with the award winning "Victoriana" (voted best Campbeltown Malt for 2017) and several other highly praised releases. Decades of suppyling material for blends has also placed the distillery in an enviable position: Their huge diversity of barrel stocks is evidenced in the taste, which is quite simply, different from almost anything else in the world of Scotch single malt.

This 100% American oak matured release comes in the distillery's revamped packaging. If you've never experienced 'saltiness' in a whisky before, you should be able to pick it up in this. The bright amber gold colour dazzles in the glass following through in a suave, laid-back sniff with a distinct briney edge and a whisper of smoke. Several minutes air contact adds cocoa, granita biscuit, dried ginger and cinnamon notes. Considerably more intense than the nose suggests, but lean and dry on entry, building with spicy oak; again, a lovely salt'n'pepper quality develops before the Bourbon takes over the finish. Distant orange zest and rye whiskey freshness come through the aftertaste. Deceptively complex. Distinctively Campbeltown. 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... A serious buzz of lively, working tannin to this. All dark sugars and spice, it suggests a malt that means business; mouthfilling, deep, roasty, slightly fat, vaguely salty, massively chewy...great to see this rather special little distillery produce something quite so confident and complete. 91.5 points - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2017

...This 15 year old has been fully matured in bourbon casks. Relatively reticent on the nose, with light vanilla. Becoming more aromatic and spicy, with tinned apricots in syrup. Medium-bodied, relatively dry, with ginger, oak, and cloves, before a touch of milk chocolate appears. The chocolate darkens. Aniseed and perpetual spice. 86 points - Gavin Smith (Fall 2015), whiskyadvocate.com

Double Gold - San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017