Whisky Review/Tasting: Glengoyne 12 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glengoyne Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation: Known for Scotland's slowest distillation process.
Maturation: Matured in hand-selected sherry casks, with a mention of other casks contributing to the flavor profile.
Age Statement: 12 years.
ABV: 43%.
Color: Rich golden, uncolored.
Clarity: Not specifically mentioned, but the natural color suggests clarity.
Bottle Design: Standard 0.7-liter bottle, distinct from the 10-year-old which is typically available in a liter bottle.

Balance of Flavors: Described as having a perfect balance between distillery character (apples, light citrus notes) and the influence of sherry casks.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its full sherry aroma, absence of peat, and a complex profile including damp warehouse, maltiness, sweet old honey, juice oranges, and a wonderful spiciness without bitterness.
Comparison: More sherry-laden and complex than the 10-year-old version, with a longer, more flavorful aftertaste.

Distillery Changes: Post-2003 change in proprietors led to a new range of aged single malt whiskies and a shift towards more sherry-laden flavors.
Warehouse Anecdotes: Mention of construction issues with new warehouses, highlighting the distillery's commitment to expanding storage for aging whiskies.

Unpeated Tradition: Glengoyne is celebrated for its unpeated malt, emphasizing a tradition of barley dried by air, never peat, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
Scottish Slow Distillation: The distillery prides itself on having Scotland's slowest distillation process, a key aspect of its identity.

"This is so much more than the 10-year-old."
"Life is too short for bad alcohol."
The reviewer, Horst Luening, praises the whisky for its excellent balance, lack of bitterness, and the quality of cask selection, considering it an excellent whisky for the price.

Glengoyne 12 years old is a single malt Scotch whisky, matured in sherry casks, with a 43% ABV.
It features a rich golden color, a complex flavor profile with a perfect balance between distillery character and sherry influence, and a long, flavorful aftertaste.
The distillery's slow distillation process and commitment to unpeated malt contribute to its unique character.
The change in proprietors led to a more sherry-laden flavor profile and expansion of the aged whisky range.
Expert opinions highlight the whisky's excellent balance, quality of cask selection, and its value for the price.

For the Sherry Lover: Individuals who appreciate the rich, complex flavors contributed by sherry casks will find the Glengoyne 12 years old particularly enjoyable.
For the Scotch Enthusiast: Those with a preference for Scotch whiskies that offer a unique character, stemming from a slow distillation process and an unpeated malt, will appreciate this whisky.
For the Value Seeker: Given its praised balance of flavors and quality for the price, this whisky is recommended for those looking to explore high-quality Scotch without breaking the bank.