Glen Scotia introduced a 15 Year Old single malt in 2015 as part of the redesign of their core range. Back then it had a black label with gold lettering. The one we’re having today is the latest version, with silver lettering. It was introduced in June 2022.
Glen Scotia uses first fill and refill American oak casks to age this whisky. They say it complements the spirit’s slow fermentation and highlights the fruity character.
Glen Scotia 15 yo (46%, OB +/- 2022)
Nose: a nice, tart lemony note with apples and a hint of physalis. A really fresh onset, mellowed by light vanilla. Then it develops lots of tiny complexities that are often a little less common. Think polished brassware, liquorice, ginger and bitter almond. A subtle iodine tingle as well.
Mouth: quite a robust mouthfeel given the moderate ABV. Sweet malt mixed with a firm grassy note, herbal bitterness and lemon peels. Gingery warmth alongside toffee sweetness. Cider apples, a hint of white rum and oak char. Getting tangy towards the end, a coastal malt alright! Then a touch of salted caramel as it fades.
Finish: medium length, with oak spice, honey sweetness and salty liquorice.
I kept getting this ‘Springbank for beginners’ idea. However, I’m not sure this is for beginners. It’s really characterful, with some pungency and nice coastal notes. Overall slightly lighter than Springbank, but not to be overlooked. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt for instance.