With powerhouses such as Rosebank (and St Magdalene), it is hard to understand why Glenkinchie is the one that survived all turmoil and is still standing. Glenkinchie was chosen to be part of the Diageo Classic Malts in 1988, and that pretty much sealed Rosebanks fate.
Exactly why Glenkinchie was preferred is not entirely clear, but there’s a persistent legend suggesting that it happened because Glenkinchie is better suited as a tourist destination, not because it necessarily made superior whisky. Whichever the case, Glenkinchie is still around and it still releases the occasional single malt, such as this annual Distillers Edition finished in Amontillado casks.
Glenkinchie 2006 Distillers Edition (43%, OB, 2018)
Nose: Fairly shy. Rum raisins and peanut skins, accompanied by a sweet floral influence. There’s just a slight farmy touch as well, giving it some depth. I also get subtle stone fruits.
Taste: Rather malty, dry and spicy (cloves, ginger), with a touch of toasted oak. There’s a whiff of tobacco too, and roasted peanuts. Slightly sour and herbacious, with just a hint of cherry syrup.
Finish: Lingering spices. Medium in length.
Score: 82
A rather good showing from Glenkinchie, although I could do with something a little less dry and spicy. But good marks overall.
Photo: Whiskybase Shop
