One of the classic series, the Glengoyne Cask Strength range has been a staple for well over a decade. Just last year the series reached a milestone with the Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch 10, which I’ll be reviewing today.
There were quite a few years in between the first and second appearance of the Glengoyne Cask Strength series on Words of Whisky. I was determined not to let that happen again. And since there’s really nothing like giving yourself a pat on the shoulder, I’ll shamelessly applaud myself for only skipping one batch since. (As you can see, I’m struggling to come up with any kind of preamble here.)
Enough with the nonsense. The Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch 10 is what this blog post is about. Compared to earlier batches, all of which were 100% sherry matured, Glengoyne has been steadily adding some ex-bourbon casks to the mix. Their more current Cask Strength releases probably no longer qualify as sherry bombs, but the quality is generally still there.
Here we go…
Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch 10 (59.5%, OB, 2023)
Nose: Hints of brown sugar, instant coffee and vanilla extract, accompanied by blackcurrants, some copper coins and yoghurt. I get a touch of honeyed porridge, with finally some melted butter and sesame oil.
Taste: Pleasant viscosity carrying quite some oak spices. Pepper is dominant, but cloves and allspice are here also. A good amount of toffee and caramel, as well as bitter oranges. Slightly uncivilized maybe, but then again, we’re almost at 60% here. Water brings out maltier and nuttier elements.
Finish: Medium to long. Slightly dry. Oak spices and hints of cherries, as well as walnuts.
Photo: The Whisky Exchange