This is the 15 year old single malt Scotch whisky from Glen Scotia in the Campbeltown region, released in 2015 as part of a redesign for their range. The distillers use specially selected American oak casks to age this expression, which compliment the fruit-forward and subtly coastal whisky rather well.
Lots of rich fruit here - apricot jam, satsuma segments and apple pie. Wafts of sea breeze and baking spices develop after a minute.
Vanilla and fruit, with ginger and cinnamon bring a subtle dryness to it.
Quite long with continuing spice.
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Was: £135.95Now: £127.45
Boom! Absolutely delightful.
Although there's not much wrong with this whisky it is rather unremarkable given its heftyish price tag. I managed to pick up a bottle that was heavily discounted. I wouldn't have been too happy if I paid full price for it. The oak flavours dominate here, giving it an almost bourbon vibe. I'm guessing they used plenty of first fill casks. There is dried fruit sweetness there, but it's not as clean as I would have liked with just a tiny bitter aftertaste. Mouthfeel is decent. I like to add a dash of Ardbeg or Lagavulin 8 to this to liven it up a bit and cover up that bitterness.
Not sure I get the apricot jam mentioned above, but noticeable vanilla at first, then jammy like fruit flavors in the middle, with baked goods flavors in the finish. Some rye-like spicy flavors are detectable that are hard to identify exactly, but they’re pleasant. Very smooth throughout. A very nice Glen Scotia and at a relatively modest price for a 15 year old.
I pray Glen Scotia do not go the way of other distilleries that gain/regain reputation then double their prices. This may not be the cheapest 15 on the market, but it's one of the most complex and accomplished, an absolute bouquet of flavours and robust to all ends.
At first didn't get what the hoopla was all about, but now, omg. Let this sit in the glass 15-20 min, put a little water in it, and boom. Brine, Sultana, honey, rich toffeed Campbeltown smell and taste. A real masterpiece of an official bottling. Splendid whisky.
