Distilled slower than anyone else in Scotland, is what Glengoyne claims. This Glengoyne 21 Year Old is one of their cornerstones, matured exclusively in sherry casks but I’m not sure it’s still entirely European oak like before. In case you want to compare, the last time I tried it was in 2014.
Glengoyne 21 yo (43%, OB +/- 2020)
Nose: not as fresh as I hoped. It has got this bulky, caramelly and slightly sulphury touch, although I have to say it fades over time. After that we got pecan pie, chocolate and dried figs. Raisins and tobacco. Clear hints of clove as well. Gets better after airing, with just flashes of red fruits.
Mouth: again very much on caramel, sticky toffee pudding and chocolate. Fudge, caramelized nuts, hints of mocha. A buttery undertone, still not entirely clean in my opinion. Contrary to the bold flavours it also feels a little underpowered.
Finish: medium length, fresh, slightly green with waxy fruits and mild spice.
As with most wide-scale official bottlings batch differences are impossible to avoid, and this isn’t the best. Compared to last time this feels more caramelly, with less fruity brightness. Unfortunately I don’t know which batch this was, but the sample comes straight from the distillery. Available from TyndrumWhisky or Master of Malt for instance.