Earlier this year Glengoyne launched a new series of annual releases called The Legacy series, which would highlight different elements of the distillery heritage.
The Legacy Series: Chapter One is the first expression. It focuses on Cochrane Cartwright, the 19th century distillery manager who decided to focus on sherry casks for maturation and introduce the ‘slow’ distillation process, now two key elements for Glengoyne’s profile.
Chapter One is a mix of first-fill European oak Oloroso sherry casks and second-fill American oak casks. It is said to be composed with mostly 9-12 years old whisky. Quite light in colour, with little indications of Oloroso sherry.
Glengoyne Legacy Series: Chapter One (48%, OB 2019)
Nose: fruity spirit in the lead, rather than the sherry character. Baked pears, almonds and honey. Orange marmalade, hints of apricot tarte tatin with vanilla sauce. Grain biscuits and green malty notes. Growing spices, mainly ginger and pepper.
Mouth: a tad sharp, with some peppery notes and a slightly bitter edge of marmalade and orange zest. Green malty notes again, a hint of wood and alcohol. Syrupy notes in the background, as well as cinnamon and roasted nuts.
Finish: not too long, with sweet and nutty flavours remaining. Cinnamon and almonds.
Chapter One is different from other Glengoyne whiskies, which is surprising if it’s meant to celebrate its heritage and quintessential features. It feels young, with green notes and spices instead of the richer sherry flavours. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt among others.
Score: 81/100