Glaschu – Glengoyne 11

Officially there’s no distillery name on the bottle of this whisky, as certain rules can prevent independent bottlers from putting it on the label. Glaschu Spirits Co have been very open about where this whisky was distilled though, as can be seen through several hints on the label. Both the mountain and the flying geese are clear hints that this is in fact a Glengoyne Whisky. An 11-year-old to be precise.

But let’s go back to these labels for a bit. The guys behind Glaschu are clearly fans of history, as can be seen by the designs of their labels. Each release has an iconic ship, plane or (as in this case) train on the label, stemming from the industrial revolution era. But it’s more than just the labels, with the liquid inside the bottle they also try to capture the essence of that spirit from days of yore.

I love the philosophy and the artstyle of this Independent Bottler. But most of all, I love what they bottle. I’ve been able to try most of their releases up till now and out of several stunners I decided to pick this one for the fall edition of my Explorers Pack. Because the flavours here scream Autumn to me, in the best kind of way!

Tasting Notes: Glaschu Spirits Co. – Glengoyne 11

Stats:

ABV: 50% (100 proof)

Age: 11 years old

Distillery: Glengoyne

Bottled by: Glaschu Spirits Co.

Cask: Pedro Ximénez Quarter Cask Finish

Category: Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Chill-Filtered: No

Natural Colour: Yes

Nose:

So much red fruit. You’ve got to love it! I’ve you’ve ever had anything “forest fruit” flavoured this nose will ring plenty of bells for you. I’m getting dried sugared strawberries, fresh blue- and blackberries, cherries, and dates. It’s like your standing over a stove making fresh marmalade with hand picked fruits from the forest. It might not be the most complex, because there’s no getting past that sweet fruity blast of scents, but when it smells this good who cares?

Palate:

This took me completely by surprise! Where you’d expect an almost overly sweet palate based on the nose, I’m finding far more tannins than I’d expect. But in the best kind of way. It reminds me of a negroni in a way, bitter but uniquely pleasant. Of the fruits the cherries and blackberries are still there, but because of that pairing with crisp tannic bitterness it becomes a very well-balanced dram. If, based on the nose, you dive in expecting a dessert-like treat you might end up a bit disappointed. But keep an open mind and look for that balance and complexity and you’ll find yourself amazed just how well the sweet and bitter notes are integrated. A bittersweet symphony if you will!

Finish:

The finish is not all that long, especially when you compare it to some of the other drams in this Explorers Pack. I’d classify it a medium length finish at best. But I do believe that in the case of this dram that is a good thing. It’s a thoroughly pleasant experience, yet one that allows you to follow it up with another. I’m finding some prunes, dried apricots and just a hint of popsicle stick tannin bitterness on the sides of the tongue. All-in-all pleasant if a bit shortlived.

Verdict:

This Glaschu Glengoyne 11 is a whisky that just fits the season so perfectly. When I drink this, I immediately start to daydream about all the meals I’d love to pair with it. Venison, wild boar, hare stew. And those are just a couple of dishes that come to mind. And just imagine sipping this after a long cold walk, by the fireplace. Heaven on earth of you ask me!

Rating:

87/100

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