Glengoyne Whisky Tasting
This month’s whisky tasting evening took place at The Clydeside Distillery on Thursday 16th of May hosted by Danielle Murphy, the regional sales manager for Ian McLeod Distillers Ltd. Danielle looks after a portfolio of spirits, one of them being the beloved Glengoyne.
The whisky line up was selected to showcase Glengoyne’s “unhurried” process in producing their range. The guests were taken through Glengoyne’s youngest whiskies; the 10 and 12 year old, followed by an introduction to the limited edition Legacy Series One and their Cask Strength. And finally, finishing on the anticipated 18 and 21 year old.
The Drams
The range displays how Glengoyne master their distillation in an unhurried manner to perfect all aspects of the spirit. With the evening sun streaming in through the Clydeside’s window, first up the 10-year-old was imagined alongside some soda water, ice and wedge of lime – an ideal drink for a warm early summer evening like that night. All of Glengoyne’s whisky is matured in sherry casks from Ximenez, Spain. However, their 12-year-old is the sole whisky filled in ex-bourbon casks for 20% of its maturation, and the sweeter notes of vanilla and coconut were very much present.
Much apprehension was discussed regarding the release of the Legacy Series One as it was Glengoyne’s first product to be unaged. But what a treat it was. Series One is a limited edition and they are planning on bringing out a new series each year, so keep eyes peeled next year for a second series.
The Cask Strength is one of their un-chillfiltered whiskies where each batch will be different and of a variety of ages. Batch 4 was tasted and if you like this, you will certainly like the Tea Pot Dram. Perfect description of this on the nose was crème brulee, but as a cask strength you are going to get that kick of alcohol at 58.4%.
Lastly 2 classic after dinner whiskies were poured. The 18-year-old dips in the chocolate tertiary on the nose. It was a 59% first cask fill with 50% second fill. Then lastly, the 21-year-old, a firm favourite from the group, was interestingly a 95% first cask fill. The colour on this one is completely natural, incredible product after 21 years.
