1770 Glasgow The Original Fresh & Fruity | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glasgow, Scotland. The Glasgow 1770 Distillery, founded in 2014, is notable for being the first distillery established in Glasgow since 1902.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky is distilled in special stills named Annie, Mary, Tara, Margaret, and Frances. It is matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks and finished in virgin oak casks.
Age Statement: No age statement provided.
Color and Clarity: The whisky is described as having a wonderful color, unchill filtered and uncolored, indicating a natural appearance.
Bottle Design: The bottle design includes a notably tight cork, which requires some force to open, ensuring the cork remains secure during shipping.

Nose: Toffee, vanilla, and a hint of fruitiness, with a dominant presence of fresh American white oak, suggesting a strong vanilla and caramel toffee aroma.
Palate: Silky texture with flavors of marzipan, biscuit, a little honey note, pineapple, and a bit of peppery and licorice in the finish.
Overall: The whisky is described as intense, massive, and bold, with a full and mighty character rather than the expected fresh and fruity profile. It is not typical of Lowland whiskies but rather presents a modern, expressive profile more akin to whiskies from the wider part of the Highlands.

The distillery's stills are personified with unique names (Annie, Mary, Tara, Margaret, and Frances), a quirky detail that adds character to the distillery's story.
The significant increase in production capacity from 220,000 liters to 440,000 liters in 2019 highlights the distillery's ambitious growth.

Glasgow 1770 Distillery's establishment marks a significant moment in Glasgow's distilling history, being the first new distillery in the city since 1902. This positions the distillery as a modern pioneer within a historical context.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as "far more than I expected from a Lowlander from three stills," praising its intensity and bold character.
The whisky's profile is considered misleading based on its title, "Fresh & Fruity," with Luening suggesting "Full and Mighty" as a more accurate description.

Glasgow 1770 The Original Fresh & Fruity is a single malt Scotch whisky with a bold, intense flavor profile, matured in ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks.
Despite its name, the whisky offers a rich blend of toffee, vanilla, marzipan, biscuit, honey, pineapple, pepper, and licorice, diverging from the expected fresh and fruity character.
The distillery's unique approach to naming its stills and its significant role in revitalizing Glasgow's distilling scene add depth to the whisky's story.
Expert opinion praises the whisky's quality and expressive character, suggesting it defies Lowland stereotypes and aligns more closely with the robust profiles of Highland whiskies.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a preference for bold, intense flavors and an interest in modern distilleries with a story to tell.
Collectors: Individuals looking for whiskies from new distilleries or unique bottlings that challenge regional stereotypes.
Beginners: May find this whisky's intensity and complexity a challenging but rewarding introduction to the diversity of Scotch whisky profiles.