This whisky is the entry point in to the core range of Glen Scotia. The single malt distillery is located in Campbeltown, a sub-region of the Scottish Highlands, and is known for a gently peated style. The Double Cask name refers to its maturation journey – this begins in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels before being transferred to ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks for a 12-month finishing period. It is joined in the core range by age statements at 10-, 15-, 18-, 21- and 25- years of age, plus the no age statements of Double Cask Rum Finish and Victoriana.
Glen Scotia was founded in 1832 by the Galbraith and Stewart families. It is one of only three distilleries remaining in Campbeltown – the others are Glengyle and Springbank – although others have been given planning permission in the town and surrounding area. The distillery was originally known as Scotia, only becoming Glen Scotia in 1939. Campbeltown was formerly a powerhouse of the Scotch whisky industry, particularly in late Victorian times when over 30 distilleries operated in the town, but then fell on hard times.
Glen Scotia is the only single malt distillery in Scotland to have steel alloy stills rather than copper and is currently owned by The Loch Lomond Distillery Co. It is only really since a change of strategy in 2019 that the brand has had real success. They revamped the range of whiskies, both in the domestic and travel retail sectors, and they have won amjor awards around the globe since. The distillery is relatively small, very traditional and has an annual production capacity of 800,000 litres.
The Glen Scotia Double Cask is bottled at 46% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. It is available globally in specialist whisky retailers and some larger supermarkets, especially those with a good whisky selection. A bottle should cost between £40 and £45.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is vibrant gold and the nose is soft, gentle and initially sweet. Aromas of toffee, vanilla fudge and green apple are quickly joined by a distinct biscuity oatmeal-like quality. Then comes further aromas of old oak shavings, waxy honeycomb and a whiff of soft, slightly oily smoke.
On the palate this whisky carries over the waxy and oily vibes from the nose and is mouthcoating. Caramel, vanilla and sultana with a hint of burnt popcorn lift things off with lovely notes of golden syrup, ripe peach and green apple coming through nicely. Then comes the distinct malty note again, which is reminiscent of good oat cakes and malty biscuits, and the underlying gentle peat smoke. This has a soft and earthy quality, and wraps around everything in its subtle way. Hints of cinnamon and gingerbread also evolve with time, as does an intriguing background suggestion of salinity.
The finish is long with the smokiness really coming to the fore. This is much more developed than at any other stage. The maltiness again adds the structure and depth, especially once the sweetness begins to fade. It becomes a touch hot and peppery with time with a hint of fish oil coming through also right at the end.
What’s The Verdict?
The Glen Scotia Double Cask is delicious and something of a modern classic in our view. It shows off the classic styles of Campbeltown and Glen Scotia with a lovely mix of fruit, malt, sweetness and the signature underlying gentle peat smoke. Not the most complex but the whisky is a great entry point into the genre and also offers excellent value for money. The perfect gateway to begin your Campbeltown experience.
