Glen Scotia 10 Year (2013) Cask 20/304-2 Distillery Exclusive
Whisky: Glen Scotia 10 Year (2013) Cask 20/304-2 Distillery Exclusive
Country/Region: Scotland/Campbeltown
ABV: 56.4%
Cask: First Fill Demara Rum Barrel
Age: 10 Years (Distilled 2013, Bottled 10 Oct. 2023)
Nose: Fruity candies, bubble gum, orchard fruits, hard candies, kiss of brine and wood, paper.
Palate: Medium-bodied, oily, youthful and peppery, fruity candies, bubblegum, mellow brine, wood.
Finish: Medium-length with pepper, refined sugar, and fruit candies.
Score: 5 (74)
Mental Image: Halloween Smash and Grab
Narrative & Notes: The aroma was like opening a pack of Fruit Stripe gum with plenty of soft tropical fruits and orchard fruits colliding with refined sugars and a kiss of beach brine. A touch more wood appeared with big bubblegum and mild paper notes that reminded me of glossy print photos or cracking a pack of baseball cards. Medium-bodied and oily, the flavors were youthful and peppery with loads of fruity gummies and bubble gum. Peach gummy rings, banana runts, and pineapple gummy bears spilled across the palate with bubble gum and a mellow coastal brine. More cracked pepper and driftwood lingered with sea shells and hints of fresh shellfish— but bubblegum and fruity candies always swept back in. The finish was medium-length with a touch of pepper, refined sugar, and fruity candies.
There was no missing the rum cask influence on this fruity-candy bomb, and fans of bubble gum and candy notes will find that the horn of plenty has provided. I do not care for banana, banana candy, or bubblegum notes as I find they tend to further emphasize the saccharine, sugary nature of the whisky in a way I do not enjoy. In this instance, the rum cask dialed up the fruity nature of Glen Scotia’s unpeated malt to an uncomfortable max.
Overall, I just do not like these flavors— the whisky was alright and so I have scored it around what I would consider average, but you will not find me seeking this out or taking a pour.
