The Glengoyne Cask Strength has been around for many years now, first launched in 2012 and not long ago batch 008 was released. So I am somewhat late with this batch 007, which was released last April, but I certainly thought it was worth reviewing anyway.
Many brands nowadays have their own cask strength edition, think of Glendronach, Tamdhu, Springbank, and Kilkerran, to just name a few. Even Highland Park has recently launched its own cask strength edition. I don’t know what the latter is like, but all the others are pretty decent drams for sure.
I love these cask strength editions, and although I rarely buy a bottle twice, this is quite different with these kinds of releases. The difference per batch is clearly noticeable, so it is always a surprise how the batches relate to each other. Interesting right?
Oddly enough, I haven’t tried the Glengoyne Cask Strength before, even though I can certainly appreciate a lovely Glengoyne. It’s a nice brand with a solid core range. So let’s see how this Cask Strength edition turns out to be.
This Glengoyne has matured in 5% Bourbon, 32% 1st fill sherry, 63% refill sherry casks. Bottled at 58.9% ABV.
Glengoyne Cask Strength tasting notes:
Nose: quite some butterscotch and toffee at first. But also a faint note of sour oranges. Then peach. A layer of honey, followed by vanilla. It’s a little restrained, but water helps to open it up. It becomes fruitier and creamier.
Taste: a rather heavy alcohol punch. Then I get some honey and oranges. A citric note as well. Blueberries. Vanilla and caramel fudge. Red chilli peppers. A few drops of water makes it more friendly and creamier but the chilli peppers are still there. I also get almonds now.
Finish: mid-long and stingy peppery. Mocha and almonds.
A solid dram, not overly complex but rather nice. I can’t compare it with the other editions, but I think it’s a good whisky in its price range.
Photo credit: Whiskybase
