Some time ago one of my loyal readers Stefan sent me a sample of his own private bottling. He bought a Glengoyne 2009 cask (as new-make if I’m not mistaken) and chose European oak Pedro Ximénez wood for maturation.
Glengoyne 11 yo 2009 ‘The Family Legacy’ (57,1%, OB for Stefan W 2020, Pedro Ximénez hogshead #1009, 318 btl.)
Nose: a nice fruity core, with prunes, raisins, black cherries but also raspberry brightness and a hint of dried flowers. This is backed by old leather, tobacco and dark chocolate. Some sandalwood and latte. A slightly burnt note in the background.
Mouth: black peppercorns and other oak spices, dark roast coffee, caramel sauce and prunes. Mon Chéri, fruitcake with burnt raisins and pecan pie. Quite some savoury notes, without getting too meaty for my taste. Really dark, but still rather elegant, with a hint of ginger, tobacco and dark tea towards the end.
Finish: long, slightly earthy, with plenty of dried herbs and dark cocoa.
A punchy, deeply sherried whisky, showing heavily toasted European oak in all its splendour. You’re a lucky man, Stefan!