Glengoyne 1998 (Malts of Scotland #1130)

Here’s the latest Malts of Scotland release. They keep launching new bottlings at a high rate and most of them are really worth a review.

As you know, independent Glengoynes are very rare, so we should thank Malts of Scotland for their Glengoyne 1972, Glengoyne 1973 and this new Glengoyne 1998. It comes from a first-fill sherry hogshead and the colour is quite fabulous. Blacker than Black Bowmore?

Glengoyne 11yo 1998 (54,5%, Malts of Scotland 2009, sherry hogshead #1130, 292 btl.)

Long, slow legs announce a great spirit. Nose: a truly classic oloroso nose with sultanas, dried prunes and dried oranges. Slightly prickly but
spot on! Sweet black cherries, raspberry and hints of tobacco. Some vanilla toffee and lovely pine resin.

Mouth: bold sherry again: prunes, honey, fruit cake. Hints of liquorice and dark chocolate. A very clean cask without rubber or sulphur.

Finish: long, on raspberry jam and raisins. Fading out on cloves.

An excellent Glengoyne for “dark sherry” lovers, although you could argue that the sherry dominates the distillery character. This will be a hit anyway. Great price as well: € 60.

Score: 89/100