Glengoyne 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

The Highland Line, which notionally divided it from Lowland Scotland runs through Glengoyne's grounds making it the southernmost of the Highland distilleries. Glengoyne is notable for using barley that has been dried using warm air, rather than that dried from the smoke of peat fires. Historically, the distillery has also maintained a preference for "Golden Promise" barley, a variety that's less efficient to farm, but said to contribute an attractive oily and nutty flavour to the whisky. The revamped 18 year old has just arrived in Australia and we're pleased to report that it's true to the historical distillery style. Yes, it retains the notes you'd expect from nearly two decades in sherry, but unlike the 21 year old, this is all about purity and elegance. A lightness to the mouthfeel starts out citrussy and peel-fresh, unfolding with beautiful Oloroso input through the middle and finish - think moist fruit cake, mixed nuts, orange zest, new leather and a deft touch of cinnamon and ginger bread to round things off. The aftertaste stays with you. Super pure and eminently sippable uncut, you could easily waste an evening in front of the fire with this little gem.

Other reviews… This variant of Glengoyne replaces the popular 17 year old as part of an overhaul of the core range, and the maturation regime has included what the distillers describe as “a generous proportion of first-fill sherry casks.” Milk chocolate, vanilla, melon, and grapefruit on the nose, with burgeoning dry sherry and fruitcake. The palate is rich and well rounded, with cinnamon and ginger, almonds, orange marmalade, sweeter sherry, and caramel. Lingering spices and easy-going oak in the lengthy finish. 88 points
- whiskyadvocate.com, (Spring 2013) Reviewed by: Gavin Smith