Whisky : Glen Scotia Victoriana; 2015/Batch 1

Country/Region : Scotland/Campbeltown

ABV : 51.5%

Cask : Ex-Bourbon, Heavily Charred Oak

Nose : Sweet malty sugars on the opening with a maritime salt breeze, green unripened tropical fruits, and florals.  Tangy marmalade, honey, mineral oil, and salted crackers emerge overtime refraining familiar notes.

Palate : Medium body with malty melba toast, whole wheat bread, and lightly salted pastries.  Pastries give way to fruity undertones of jam and marmalade as well as oaky notes of cinnamon and slightly burnt toast.  Honey sweetness combined with the malt to give the impression of sticky morning buns or honey drenched pastries.

Finish :  Lingering grains and dry spices.

Score : 5

Mental Image : Brunch Pastry Basket.

Something Similar : Nikka From the Barrel (similar malty-fruit notes, more wood notes, less honey)

Something Similar : Carsebridge 44 Year (similar honey-pastries and spice, more florals)

Notes :  A perfectly friendly and interesting introduction to the Glen Scotia range.  It was eminently drinkable at cask strength with a palate of flavors that felt more like a warm honey sweet hug by two slices of bread than a challenge.  Whether this bottle comes off as boring or welcoming will not doubt depend on what you are looking for— something new and exciting to challenge your taste buds or a special sipper to relax with in the evening.