Glen Scotia 29 Year (1975), Dun Bheagan Cask 691 — Whiskery Turnip

Mar 27

Mar 27 Glen Scotia 29 Year (1975), Dun Bheagan Cask 691

Whiskery Turnip

Scotch

Whisky: Glen Scotia 29 Year (1975), Dun Bheagan Cask 691

Country/Region: Scotland/Campbeltown

ABV: 43.6%

Cask: Rum Barrel

Age: 29 Years (Distilled 1975, Bottled 2004)

Nose: Mellow and mild, melon, maritime, woody, hints of coconut, peppery minerality, tropical fruits.

Palate: Light-bodied, mild, tropical citrus, brine, melon, coconut, cream, grassy with plenty of driftwood.

Finish: Medium to long and gentle with tropical fruits, coconuts, and more driftwood.

Score: 7 (83)

Mental Image: ABC Store Supply Run

Narrative & Notes: Melon candies and beach boardwalks appeared on the aroma with hints of coconut lotion between sun-bleached driftwood, soft brine, minerals, and fallen palm fronds. It was all tropical and mellow, with a gentle sweetness riding chopped pineapple, honey dew, and cantaloupe— including a bit of bumpy rind. Light-bodied and mild with an initial hit of soft tropical citrus and brine that slowly expanded— like the borders of the universe— to encompass more ripe melons, pineapple, coconut cream, and creamy soft serve frozen yogurt. Hints of grassy sweet pandan lingered with driftwood around the edges, while kūlolo and ube desserts emerged from the coconut. The finish was medium to long and gentle with tropical fruits, coconuts, and plenty of driftwood.

Mellow and mild, this fit the bill of a near thirty year old malt with plenty of depth to the soft aroma and a clear evolution on the palate. Initially quite shy, the flavor profile bloomed on the back end and extended out to take on an alternately juicy and creamy quality. While this was perfectly characteristic of a well-aged malt, it lacked the wildness or mustiness I expected from a 1970s whisky, much less a Glen Scotia of the era. Perhaps that was the effect of the rum cask, whether a maturation or a finish I was not sure, but it certainly elevated the fruitier qualities of the malt.

Overall, a delightful dram that was surely pleasant enough, even if it was not quite as engaging and interesting as I hoped.