Review by: Whiskery Turnip
Distillery: Glengyle.
Bottler: Cadenhead’s.
Region: Scotland/Campbeltown Single Malt.
ABV: 57.7%. Cask Strength
Age: 11 Years. Distilled on 5 May 2006. Bottled in May 2017.
Cask type: Rum Barrel.
Nose: Bright and fruity, lemons and tropical citrus, acidic pineapple, grassy sugars with crushed cane and a pressed lime, an acrid peat reek hung in the background with wispy smoke and metallic corrugated tin; a touch of earth and almost cream, more so with water.
Palate: Medium-bodied, fruity with citrusy pineapple and lemonade; guavas and mangos appeared among the deluge of citrus with hints of coconut and dried palm fronds; youthful and spirited, peppery; background notions of earth and tractor engines.
Finish: Medium-length with peppery spirit and a touch of fruit.
Mental Image: Pineapple Demonstration at the Dole Plantation.
Conclusion: There are a couple of things you can do to help mellow out a pineapple so that it has a less intense acidic bite—one of the easiest is to wash it before completely carving it up. You can also add something that pulls the senses in another direction, like tangy-salty li hing powder. This whisky reminded me of a particularly acidic and sharp pineapple—one that could have used a bit of rinse or a dash of li hing before serving.
Much to my surprise, the cask played a significant role in elevating the fruitier characteristics of the malt and pushing some of the earthiness toward the background. There was a constant acrid element around the edges that manifested with wispy smoke, dried palm debris, or corrugated tin— something metallic exposed to the elements. It was also youthful and spirited, with a peppery quality that elevated the notion of acidic tropical fruits a bit too loudly. The addition of water helped some, but simplified the flavors.
Overall, not bad— while I love a bright young malt, I was left wondering what this would have been like with more time to mellow.
Final Score: 78.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 