Glengoyne Madeira Cask Finish Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glengoyne Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Initially matured in traditional casks (likely American oak) before being finished in Madeira wine casks.
Age Statement: Distilled in 1996 and bottled in 2008, making it approximately 12 years old.
Color and Clarity: While not explicitly described, the influence of Madeira casks suggests a potentially darker, rich hue.
Bottle Design: Not detailed, but the focus is on the unique Madeira cask finish.

Nose: Delicate floral and summer fruit cocktail with hints of wine gums and old oak overtones.
Palate: Oily, rich spice, woody, white sugar, iced gingerbread.
Finish: Soft, medium sweet, with notes of gooseberry jam and grapefruit zest.
Unique Characteristics: The Madeira cask finish imparts a distinct fruitiness and complexity, with a notable absence of bitterness.

Distillery Acquisition: The bottle came to market after Ian McLeod bought the distillery, leading to experimentation with finishing casks, including Madeira.
Madeira Wine Process: The Madeira wine, used for the whisky's finishing, is fortified and undergoes a unique heating and oxidation process, contributing to the whisky's flavor profile.

Madeira Influence: The use of Madeira casks from the Madeira Islands, known for their fortified wine, adds a layer of cultural and geographical significance, enhancing the whisky's identity with a unique flavor profile.

Horst Luening, the master taster, praises the whisky's complexity, fruitiness, and lack of bitterness, highlighting the successful integration of Madeira cask finishing.
Luening also discusses the debate around bottle oxidation, suggesting that most oxidation occurs in the cask, with less impact once bottled.

Glengoyne Madeira Cask Finish is a single malt Scotch whisky, aged for approximately 12 years, with a unique finishing in Madeira wine casks.
The whisky exhibits a complex flavor profile, with a nose of floral and summer fruits, a palate of rich spice and iced gingerbread, and a finish of gooseberry jam and grapefruit zest.
The Madeira cask finishing contributes significantly to the whisky's character, offering a distinct fruitiness and complexity without bitterness.
The use of Madeira casks adds cultural and geographical significance, linking the whisky to the unique wine-making traditions of the Madeira Islands.
Expert opinions celebrate the whisky's complexity and successful integration of flavors, with discussions on oxidation providing additional insight into whisky aging.

For the Connoisseur: The unique Madeira finish and complex flavor profile make this whisky a must-try for those seeking depth and innovation in their whisky experiences.
For the Adventurous Drinker: The unusual use of Madeira casks offers a novel tasting experience, ideal for those looking to explore beyond traditional Scotch whiskies.
For the Collector: Given its limited availability and unique characteristics, this whisky is a valuable addition to any collection, especially for those interested in cask-finished expressions.