Glengoyne Balbaina Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)

Like the 'Cuartillo' in Glengoyne's new Travel Retail exclusive series, Balbaína is also named in tribute to a Jerez neighborhood where the barrels were sourced. Matured in first-fill European oak oloroso casks, expect notes of "caramel, dried apple, and cloves". Big one litre format.

Tasting note: Bright copper. Light, but more aromatic depth than the ‘Cuartillo’, accenting dried fruits (prunes, apricots) as well as bitter dark chocolate, orange spice cake and hints of cinnamon. A medium bodied whisky with a burst of sherry in the middle stage, trailed by warming cinnamon, cocoa and fruit spice cake. Lacks momentum but compensates with sheer purity and poise. Eminently drinkable. 43% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... a funny name, a finish in sherry, and a travel retail exclusive. What could (cough, cough) go wrong? No we won’t try to check what Balbaina means, perhaps someone’s first girlfriend? Colour: gold. Nose: well, nothing really wrong here, it’s a classic malty dram, with touches of burnt raisins and cakes, some vanilla, hints of roasted nuts and a spoonful of good marmalade. Nice citrus (pink grapefruit, perhaps?) Mouth: I find it really good, and again, extremely classic, with raisins, dried figs, bananas and pears, a bit of toasted oak, the obligatory walnuts, a mild spiciness that would rather involve cinnamon and cloves this time, and more toasted cake. Pancakes and maple syrup. Finish: quite long, rather toffee-ish and caramely. They seem to have pushed the oak a bit. Comments: all good, I think, one that won’t disappoint air travellers. It’s all-roundness should work well in travel retail indeed. 84 points - Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com