Alex, below, bought the Glengoyne Limited Edition Scottish Oak Wood Finish. The casks were exclusively crafted for the Glengoyne Distillery.
His notes are as follows:Glengoyne.
Scottish Oak Wood Finish.
15-year-old.
Limited Edition No. A2016
43% vol.
Colour: Sunset, an orangle glow in a glass.
Nose: Sweet apple and liquorice with a hit of vanilla.
Body: Rich and layered.
Palate: Toasted malt, hot and spicy yet sharp and slightly sweet. Typically Glengoyne with Scottish Oak providing the edge.
Finish: Explosive and long. A campfire dram.
Andy, below right, bought the 12-year-old Cask Strength.ABV 52.7%
His tasting notes:
I've never been able to master the subtle hints of heather or limey under tone, so this will definitely read like a philistine's tasting notes!
This malt is wonderfully different from my usual, more peaty tipples. The nose is light, clear, rich and full of life. No peat, or other heavy aromas.
Taste it and, despite the fact it's cask strength, that tongue-numbing alcoholic nastiness that has you reaching for the water jug is absent. The clarity remains, the richness is enhanced. Very, VERY smooth, yet still exploding with complex flavours.
As I swallow, an almost buttery richness fills my head, but still with no fuss or excessive weight.
This is a light, yet full, flavour-packed malt. There are none of the sharp (I daren't say harsh) edges of many other cask-strength offerings. There is an unexpected depth - that extra dimension that can lift a malt to the level of extraordinary.
Something different, great value, and terrifyingly easy to drink. A real winner.
Toshie also bought the 12-year-old Cask Strength. 57.2% ABV.
Natural colour, unchill-filtered
Tasting Notes
Colour: Golden/amber
Nose: Sherry, apple crumble
Palate: Sweet and fruity
Finish: Long and fruity, hint of liquorice aftertaste. Perfect for the end-of-evening when a contemplative malt is needed before you make for the stairs (after a second one, perhaps!).
