A 9 year old Glengoyne that was distilled on 29th August 2008 and matured in a 1st fill ex-Bourbon barrel. One of 217 bottles from the Young & Spritely flavour profile.
Nose: Freshly baked treats. Starting with aromas of cakes, croissants and apple and blackcurrant tarts, this gradually develops a slight oily pungency which is supported by coconut shavings, orange peels and a background dustiness. Water brings out some earthy spices, in particular cardamom.
Taste: Rich, oily, fruity and woody. A mouth-coating arrival which is surprisingly quaffable at 61.8% and delivers blackcurrants, apples and sharp citrus alongside icing sugar, pepper, backing spice and a real nuttiness (peanuts). Wood is quite discernible – freshly cut wood planks – a little bit sappy. The addition of water reduces the prominence of some of the fruits and spice, but makes for a much more syrupy-like consistency.
Finish: Medium in length, woody and nutty and with a really pleasing astringency.
Glengoyne is normally known for its sherried expressions, but it can work just as well in pure ex-Bourbon and this is a good example of just that. Defined fruits, just the right amount of wood influence and a good weight counterbalance the zingy and youthful character. A very solid early-evening refresher whisky.