Whisky: Glen Scotia 14 Year (c. 1990s)

Country/Region: Scotland/Campbeltown

ABV: 40%

Cask: Oak

Age: 14 Year

Nose: Orchard fruits, watermelon rind, honey, subtle brine, browned butter, sage, and mellow swimming pool chemicals.

Palate: Medium to light body, sweet cream, watermelon rind, honey, vanilla, citrus, coconut, hints of grassy sweet matcha and salt.

Finish: Medium to long with cream and salt.

Score: 5

Mental Image: Seaside Tea Date

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was mellow and pleasant, with green apples, pears, and watermelon rind. A gentle maltiness ran in the background, occasionally lending the impression of pie or honey over oatmeal. Occasionally creamy, brown butter, sage, a subtle brine, and swimming pool chemicals arrived with time. Medium to light-bodied, the flavors slowly built on the palate, with sweet cream, honey, and vanilla leading the way. Citrus and coconut followed with watermelon rind, salty sea breezes, and wet sand. A grassy sweetness arrived at the end to give the impression of matcha or a matcha tea latte. The finish was medium to long with subtle milkiness, butter, and salt.

The fact that I gave this a five might seem a bit inconsistent with the fact that I enjoyed it. Yet, that is where we find ourselves. I would not call this whisky terribly remarkable— it was not nearly as funky and wild as some of the “dumpy” style old 14 Year Glen Scotia can be— but it was still enjoyable. It required the right mood as the flavor profile was mild and easily overwhelmed by other whisky or food.

Overall, Glen Scotia is a favorite, and I enjoyed this whisky even if I would not consider it terribly above average. Sometimes the fun and intrigue of an older bottle paves over any deficiencies and there is nothing wrong with that.