Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The peak of the Glen Scotia range was 21 Years, but now the distillery has confirmed they've enough stocks to make a 25 year old an ongoing expression - that's despite recent closure between 1994 and 1999. Bottled at 48.8% abv and non-chill-filtered, this was matured in American oak barrels before being married in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks for 12 months. It comes packaged in a handsome oak case engraved with the Campbeltown co-ordinates.

“I created the 25 year old with the history of Campbeltown in mind,” says master blender Michael Henry. “For many years, trade has come through this port town bringing fruits and spices from all over the world on its salty sea breezes. I wanted the liquid to reflect this. The signature nose has hints of vanilla oak, interwoven with subtle notes of sea spray and spicy aromatic fruits. On the palate, it boasts tangy orange and juicy red apples mixed with a caramel sweetness. Its finish is a long lingering taste of sea salt with a spicy note of ground ginger.”

Other reviews... Lemon, ginger, pine resin, and a hint of sea salt on the nose, then banoffee pie develops. Luscious on the palate, with subtle spice, a touch of ashy smoke, and principally big orchard fruit notes. Drying in the lengthy finish, with a wisp of smoke, brine, and peppery oak. Glen Scotia at its characterful best.
91 points - www.maltadvocate.com, reviewed by: Gavin Smith (Fall 2017)