Whisky : Glen Scotia Double Cask

Country/Region : Scotland/Campbeltown

ABV : 46%

Cask : Ex-Bourbon, Pedro-Ximenez Sherry Finish

Nose :  Fruit forward, the nose slowly develops some savory-salty elements over time.  Citrus notes of grapefruit and orange, poached pear, malty sweet cereals, and some salted caramel open up.  They are followed by a mild smoke, fried dough, and a clean sea salt.  The overall impression of fruit, grain, and salt strikes me as haemul pajeon, a Korean seafood pancake.

Palate : Medium to light bodied with a mellow profile and bright spirit notes.  The salt and citrus of a margarita take center stage along with ginger and pepper.  A kiss of smoke comes near the end with a dash of caramel and a mild dryness.

Finish :  Medium length citrus fruits.

Score : 5

Mental Image :  Haemul pajeon.

Something Better : Glen Scotia 10Y SMWS 93.98 (more tropical fruit/medicinal notes, more complex)

Something Better : Caol Ila 17Y Unpeated (similar citrus/margarita/salt, more complex/longer finish)

Something Similar : Craigellachie 13 Year (similar fruit/mineral/spirit notes, more florals)

Notes :  Fine, just fine.  This is Glen Scotia’s entry level malt and it makes for a friendly introduction to some of the wonderful notes one might chase down in cask strength Scotia.  Though the nose was relatively subdued, there was a great blend of fruit and salt and in combination with some of the malty notes I enjoyed the impression of a seafood pancake.  Haemul pajeon is one of those simple dishes I just cannot make anywhere near a passable quality at home.  So I loved the brief impression in this dram of one of my favorite snack/bar foods.  

While the overall palate was fairly subdued, it was interesting enough for an introductory malt.  It was friendly enough that even someone new to whisky would find it approachable.  The palate is cohesive if not a little youthful and spirited.  This is not quite what I would reach for on any given night— I like my drams to be a bit more intense, but I would happily accept it if offered.  I could easily see stocking this in my cabinet if I needed a replacement for the Arran 10/14 or Craigellachie 13 both of which I like as easy sippers or a friendly dram for the scotch-curious house guest.