Review by: Raygun

I have any number of Scotch regrets: a few bottles I bought that I later wished I hadn’t, and even more that I didn’t buy that I wished I had. One of the memorable ones, however, is not buying a bottle of the Teapot Dram when I toured Glengoyne. I tried it, was impressed, but I think put off by the price. Should have just gone for it. Fortunately, I was able to come up with this sample to try it again. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes.

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Distillery: Glengoyne

Bottler: Glengoyne  

Region/style: Highlands single malt Scotch

ABV: 58.9%

Age: NAS. Bottled on April 19, 2023     

Cask type: First-fill European and American oak sherry casks

Color: 1.6 mahogany. Natural color and non-chill-filtered.

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Nose: Oozes sherry as expected, with some of the spicy tones of European oak. Sticky toffee pudding, date syrup, cinnamon, chocolate, and a bit of pasilla chile. Some pipe tobacco.                  

Palate: Spicy and tingling on the tongue. Black grapes, dates, Mexican chocolate, toffee, even a little bit of banana (fortunately not much). Got a mole thing going on, and I always like that in a sherry cask. Cinnamon, clove, and coriander. The European oak is distinct. I don’t know how old these typically are, but doesn’t taste young. It’s so rich. Almost too much.       

Finish: Spicy and tingling still. Getting some gingery bite along with the cinnamon and clove. Still has some definite mole flavor. Tannic, but doesn’t get bitter. A little more nutty flavor than I noticed on the palate, mainly toasted almonds. Dense and lingering. The spice is very powerful. I’ll be tasting it tomorrow.  

Conclusion: The sheer intensity is difficult to describe. This is powerful, and I’m not just talking about ABV (though it is strong). This is pedal to the metal without a break in terms of flavor. Much of Glengoyne’s core range tends to be understated, but they went all out with this. I’m not often hugely enthusiastic about sherry bombs these days, but most aren’t like this. At the same time, my feelings about not getting a bottle are more complicated. It’s excellent. On the other hand, it’s so intense that I don’t think I’d reach for it that often.

Score: 86

Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)