This pair of whiskies are the second and third release small-batch bottlings from the small boutique distillery of GlenWyvis (pronounced glen-wivis). It is the first and only whisky distillery in Dingwall, Scotland for nearly a century. This follows the Ben Wyvis distillery closing in 1926. The third release Batch 01/19 is marriage of whisky matured in 68% ex-bourbon, 17% ex-wine, 15% re-fill casks. The second release Batch 02/18 is marriage of whisky matured in 60% ex-bourbon, 25% ex-Oloroso sherry, and 15% re-fill casks.
The GlenWyvis distillery was established in 2015 with an idea to unite the community of Dingwall through the creation of a distillery owned by local people. in 2016, an open share offer resulted in 3,000 people investing in GlenWyvis to create the first ever 100% community-owned distillery in Scotland. Production began in late-2017. It is located on the south eastern edge of the Ben Wyvis mountain in the Scottish Highlands, around a one hour drive north from Inverness. The distillery is created to produce both whisky and gin. The annual production capacity is 140,000 litres.
Only three official whiskies have been released by the distillery to date. They are producing yearly batches of GlenWyvis single malt that are completely unique. However you will already find a number of independent bottled and single cask releases available through select retailers.
Batch 01/19 is readily available at the time of writing for £60 per bottle. It can be purchased through specialist whisky retailers, plus direct from GlenWyvis via their website, glenwyvis.com. Batch 02/18 is nearly sold out but a few retailers still have a bottle or two for around £70, so get a bottle quickly if you want one. Both whiskies are bottled at 46.5% ABV and are non-chill filtered and of natural colour.
Our Tasting Notes
GlenWyvis 2019 Batch 01/19
The colour is pale yellow and the nose is packed with aromas of honeycomb, florals (reminiscent of Spring meadow flowers) and tonnes of grassy hay. There are also hints of grapefruit, sultana and bread yeast. It really opens up with time in the glass.
On the palate this whisky is initially peppery and hot with plenty of crisp green apple up front. Once the heat subsides a little, some lovely dried fruits come through – plump juicy sultana, candied lime and lush tropical fruits (think of pineapple especially). Then comes crumbly brown sugar and bittersweet cereal and malty notes sitting underneath. These add structure and complexity. Hints of icing sugar, sweet cashew nut and marzipan are also evident.
The finish is slightly short and hot, but with hints of the fruity sweetness. Once this fades, the peppery and youthful heat comes through with full force and lingers a little alongside the tart and crisp green apple characteristics.
GlenWyvis 2018 Batch 02/18
This whisky is second release from their 2018 vintage, and the first ‘major’ bottling. The colour is pale lemon yellow and the nose has some lovely vanilla, butterscotch and fresh peach aromas up front. There is a youthful peppery heat with some sweet nuttiness and a hint of orange zest in the background.
On the palate this whisky has a soft and creamy texture, but with a spiky and peppery edge in the background. Crisp green apple and ripe peach lead the way and sit alongside some creamed coconut, vanilla fudge and white chocolate. Some warming wood spices and buttery toffee also come through nicely, plus hints of bitter green capsicum pepper, icing sugar and marzipan. A twist of orange zest appears late on to add further depth.
The finish of decent length with the sweet and fruity elements lingering well. A bittersweet maltiness evolves late on to elongate the finish, and ithis works well with the increasing peppery and wood spice heat.
What’s The Verdict?
We always find it interesting to try new whiskies from new or up-and-coming distilleries. This is no different. GlenWyvis shows an undeniable character of spirit behind each of their whiskies – there is a definitive sweet nutty element and vibrant fruitiness. It will be interesting to see how their whiskies evolve with time and what the future holds. Our favourite was the 2018 02/18 as the casking works superbly alongside the youthful spirit. GlenWyvis is definitely a place to watch in the coming years.
GlenWyvis Single Cask 2018/262
We also had this sample sent to us, but it is no longer available. Here are a few brief notes anyway for reference. The single cask #2018/262 was distilled in 2018 and bottled in November 2023. It was matured in a first-fill ex-Oloroso sherry casks and bottled at the natural cask strength of 60.4% ABV.
The colour is deep amber and the nose is bold and forceful. Aromas of cocoa powder and juicy sultanas, plus apricot jam and milk chocolate are backed with peppery spice. On the palate this whisky is viscous and rich with plenty of plump raisin and juicy sultana up front. Then comes a toasted almond nuttiness and milk chocolate vibes. Hints of apricot jam, orange marmalade and mocha come through. Then the peppery and spiky heat comes through to take over and drag the finish out.
