This 10 years old expression forms the cornerstone of Glengoyne’s core single malt whisky range – this also includes an extensive number of age statements at 12-, 15-, 18-, 21-,25- and 30 years old, plus the no age statement White Oak. This range is complimented by annual limited editions such as the Cask Strength and Teapot Dram, plus The Spirit of Time range for global travel retail. Glengoyne’s signature is its use of ex-sherry casks during maturation.
Glengoyne was founded in 1833 by the Edmonstone family under the original name of Burnfoot. The distillery lies on The Highland Line – an imaginary line that separates the Highlands from the Lowland region, running diagonally from the mouth of the River Clyde in the west to the mouth of the River Tay in the east. This line runs through the facilities with the distillery sitting on the Highland side to the north of the line and the warehouses on the Lowland side.
The distillery was renamed as Glengoyne in 1905 – the name translates as ‘valley of the wild geese’ from the local Gaelic. It is currently owned by Ian Macleod Distillers, who took control in 2003, and produces around 1.2 million litres per year. The distillery is one of Scotland’s most traditional and eco-friendly.
Glengoyne 10 years old is bottled at 40% ABV and available from specialist whisky retailers worldwide and some larger supermarkets in the UK. A bottle should cost around £35-40.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright gold and the nose there is an immediate lovely hit of vanilla with a mix of fresh fruit (think of crisp green apples and pears) and nuts (especially toasted almonds and hazelnut) coming through. There are also aromas of sugary sultanas, plus hints of milk chocolate and candied orange peel. A pinch of cocoa powder and a further hint of malted cereals sit in the background.
On the palate this whisky has a lovely sweetness and fruitiness up front. Notes of honey, golden syrup and brown sugar lead the way and sit alongside spiced baked apple, poached pear with vanilla pod and some bittersweet malty cereal grains. Then comes the soft milky chocolate and the nuts, although this is a little more reminiscent of marzipan now rather than toasted almond. A hint of something herbal (think of fresh green grass) and aniseed right at the end.
The finish is of decent length and holds well. A touch more heat and spice than expected drives this, especially once the sweet elements and the green fruitiness fade. Some oak and drying cinnamon bark come through at the death.
What’s The Verdict?
This Glengoyne 10 years old is a very enjoyable whisky and is a great example of the lighter influence of ex-sherry casks. It would be a great choice to introduce someone to single malt whisky or to drink on a chilly Autumnal day. More details can be found at www.glengoyne.com. A superb and quite underrated whisky, and one that offers good value for money.
