sample image

Glen Scotia 17yo (57.5%, SMWS, 93.36, Refill Butt, 329 Bts.)

A single cask bottling from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society without the addition of colouring or chill-filtration, the back label states “not for swigging, glugging or knocking back!” The front label also states “Refill butt – ex sherry” and some of you observant readers will know that butts are larger than 329 bottles and if you anxious about this please contact the Society for an explanation.

The nose is strong with rich fruitiness (dried raisins, dried cherries) along with some fruit cake with hints of Bovril, there’s a definite meatiness to the nose just behind the sherry. After a few minutes in the glass the meatiness dissipates to be replaced by black pepper and malt (which is a bit of a surprise) along with some muted oak spice. Time in the glass most definitely helps and after a few minutes it’s really starting to be very good. The taste is very vibrant and sherried along with the oak spice and hints of the malt along with more of the Christmas cake but then some dryness takes over. There are also some good coffee notes but these are very subtle. Perhaps a little waxiness in there also? Yes, a little. The finish is malty and dry at first and then the sherry muscles everything else aside. After a few moments there is a reversal of fortune and the malt comes tumbling back. The finish is very long and good.

It’s always nice to try another Glen Scotia and this is no exception.

US$125 (+/-)

Score 87