Review by: The Muskox
I don’t even remember the last time I had a rum-cask whisky, but it seems appropriate to crack one open for the first truly autumn-feeling day here. Golden leaves, dappled sun, chilly and breezy… I’m savouring it while it lasts. I’ll get back to my IPAs once it warms up again.
Distillery: Glen Scotia.
Bottler: Official bottling.
Region: Campbeltown.
ABV: 58.4%. Cask strength.
Age: 8 years. Distilled in 2013. Bottled in 2022.
Cask type: Finished in cask #20/329-3, a Demerara rum cask, after initial maturation in ex-bourbon wood.
Price: N/A, sample.
Color: 0.7, Amber. Natural Color. Non-chill-filtered.
Nose: Sweet and toasty. Squishy fruit – apples and pears, brown bananas, mildly tropical. Hints of fruity tartness too, with flavours of citrus and cranberry. Lots of caramel and brown sugar, woody spices, browned butter, cinnamon stick, maybe a hint of potpourri..
Palate: Medium-thick texture. Arrival is soft and sweet. Orange slices floating in mulled wine. Loads of toasty oak and cinnamon on the development, but the tannins are quite gentle. Sticky toffee pudding and sweet vanilla. Stonefruit and a little pineapple. A dribble of water in the dram brings sugared raisins.
Finish: Long, buttery, very sweet. Tannins are plentiful but still soft. More oak and cinnamon. Okay, I’m going to say it: pumpkin spice latte. Water adds maltiness, more orange, and a bit of earthiness (caraway seeds?).
Conclusion: I think I nailed my choice of an October dram. This whisky has spice and toastiness in the extreme. It’s definitely a rum-cask fest where the Glen Scotia spirit plays much more of a supportive role; I would have no chance trying to guess the distillery if I were poured this as a blind. Maybe I’d guess Amrut or something? This style of heavy-spiced whisky generally isn’t my preference, which will be reflected in my score, but this is a well-made example that’s worth looking into if you’re a fan of such things.
Final Score: 82.
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.
