Whisky Review/Tasting: Glengoyne 21 years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glengoyne Distillery, located just north of the Lowland line in Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation: Slow distillation process, potentially triple distilled as mentioned in relation to the still house video.
Maturation: Aged for 21 years exclusively in hand-selected sherry casks, with a significant influence from European oak sherry casks before transitioning to American white oak for cost reasons.
Age Statement: 21 years.
Color and Clarity: Natural color from time and sherry casks alone, uncolored but chill-filtered.
Bottle Design: The specific bottle design wasn't detailed, but packaging has transitioned from a blue box to a black box, indicating a change in master blender and possibly a shift in flavor profile.

General Tasting Notes: Syrupy, sweet, and fruity with a rich sherry influence. Notes of Christmas cake, bonny and rich fruit, with a long cinnamon finish. The whisky is described as complex, with a balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and a slight dryness, likely from Oloroso sherry casks, with potential Pedro Ximenez cask influence for added sweetness.
Unique Characteristics: Despite its 43% ABV, it presents a warming sensation, with a mouth-watering full intensity and spiciness, possibly including ginger, fading quickly but leaving a complex taste on the tongue.

Distillery History: Glengoyne has a history of producing a wide range of aged whiskies with age statements, from 10 to 25 years. The 21-year-old expression has evolved over time, with changes in ownership and the range of aged expressions offered.
Production Insights: The slow distillation process and exclusive maturation in sherry casks for 21 years are highlighted as character-building practices. The distillery's location near the historical Lowland line adds a geographical narrative to its identity.

Geographical Location: Glengoyne's proximity to the Lowland line, an artificial tax line until the 1800s, places it in a unique position that straddles the Highland and Lowland whisky regions of Scotland, potentially influencing its distillation practices and whisky character.

"A wonderful piece of work, 21 years old, and this one should be very close to perfection in the maturation cycle." - Horst Luening, indicating the high quality and maturity of the whisky.
The detailed discussion on the transition from European to American oak sherry casks for maturation reflects an understanding of cost and flavor profile considerations in whisky production.

Glengoyne 21 years old is a single malt Scotch whisky, matured exclusively in sherry casks, showcasing a complex flavor profile with a rich sherry influence, sweetness, and fruitiness.
The distillery's slow distillation process and the geographical significance of its location contribute to its unique character.
The transition in packaging from a blue to a black box marks a change in master blender and possibly a shift in flavor profile, with the current expression being highly praised for its maturity and complexity.

For the Connoisseur: The complexity and maturity of Glengoyne 21 years old make it an excellent choice for whisky enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced flavors and the influence of sherry cask maturation.
For the Collector: The historical and geographical significance of the distillery, along with the transition in packaging, might appeal to collectors interested in the evolution of whisky expressions.
For the Casual Drinker: While the price point may be higher, those looking to explore aged whiskies with rich flavor profiles might find Glengoyne 21 years old to be a rewarding experience.