DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition
The Glengoyne 12 is known as a gentle, unpeated Highland malt matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. Based on 100+ tasting notes from the DRAM1 Awards Panel, this review captures a broad consensus of its character—highlighting the whisky’s fruit-driven sweetness, soft vanilla notes, subtle spice, and occasional surprising edges. The panel’s impressions reveal both its strengths as an easy-drinking Highland classic and the areas where it left some tasters wanting more.
Tasting Notes – Glengoyne 12
A whisky defined by vanilla, caramel, citrus, orchard fruits, baking spices, and subtle oak, supported by occasional notes of grassiness, gentle pepper, and a touch of dryness on the finish. Some tasters detected fleeting hints of smoke or coastal tones, though these impressions were not universal.
Stats
Distillery: Glengoyne
Region: Highlands
Age: 12 Years
Whisky Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 43%
Nose
The nose of the Glengoyne 12 was widely described as sweet, fruity, and inviting, with several consistent themes:
Primary Aromas
- Butterscotch, caramel, vanilla beans
- Apples, pears, tangerine, citrus zest, yellow fruits
- Honey, malted milk, sweet orchard fruit
- Floral touches and occasional bubblegum sweetness
Secondary & Complex Hints
- Light grassiness, hay, breakfast grains
- Nutmeg, cinnamon, soft spices
- Banana, apricot, melon, lychee
- Touches of leather, woodiness, marzipan, almonds
- Some tasters noted creamy or buttery aromas (boterbabbelaar, roomboter)
Less Frequent Notes
A small percentage of panelists reported:
- Medicinal or jodium-like tones
- Velpon / chemical hints
- Slight smoke or coastal suggestions
- A faint bitter citrus edge
Overall, the nose was rated as pleasant, fruity, and classically Highland—though occasionally inconsistent between tasters.
Palate
The palate was described as soft, sweet, and approachable, though opinions varied on depth and complexity.
Flavour Profile
- Vanilla, caramel, honey, brown sugar
- Stewed apples, pears, citrus (lemon, lime), orange zest
- Spices: pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger
- Sherry-driven hints: dried fruits, cocoa, marzipan
- Gentle oak and light wood tannins
Texture
- Generally mellow, slightly oily, sometimes creamy
- Some found it thin, light, or quickly fading
- Others praised its roundness and balance
While not universally complex, the palate was appreciated for its sweetness, balance, and easy-drinking profile.
Finish
The finish was rated from short to medium, depending on the taster.
Key descriptors
- Honey, vanilla, caramel
- Apple, citrus peel, stewed fruits
- White pepper, mild spice, light dryness
- Some noted bitterness toward the end
- Occasional hints of sherry, salt, or faint licorice
The finish carries the sweetness forward but fades more quickly than many expected, leaving a gentle citrus-spice aftertaste.
Food Pairing
Ideal pairings from the panel’s collective notes and flavour structure include:
- Apple crumble, citrus tart, vanilla cake
- Shortbread, almond pastries, marzipan desserts
- Soft cheeses such as Brie or triple-cream
- Grilled chicken with light honey or citrus glazes
- Dark chocolate with orange
- Roasted nuts, especially almonds or pecans
These foods enhance the whisky’s orchard-fruit profile and vanilla sweetness without overpowering it.
Verdict
Strengths
- Classic Highland character: fruity, sweet, balanced
- Approachable and easy-drinking: smooth with broad appeal
- Lovely vanilla–caramel core from bourbon maturation
- Fresh citrus lift adds brightness
- Versatile food pairings
- Consistent profile: even when simple, rarely unpleasant
Weaknesses
- Can be thin: some tasters found it lacking depth
- Shorter finish: fades faster than expected
- Occasional off-notes: bitterness, medicinal hints, or sharp citrus for a few tasters
- Not highly complex: pleasant but not “exciting” according to several panelists
- A few found the alcohol a bit sharp
Final Thoughts
The Glengoyne 12 presents itself as a gentle, fruit-led Highland whisky with a sweet vanilla backbone and a clean, balanced profile. Based on 100+ DRAM1 Awards Panel impressions, its strengths lie in its approachability, fruity freshness, and rounded sweetness. While it does not strive for intensity or deep complexity, it delivers a satisfying and classic single malt experience ideal for both newcomers and casual sipping.
A whisky best enjoyed in relaxed settings, paired with desserts or light dishes, or used as an introduction to the softer side of Highland malts. A reliable everyday dram with pleasing character—though not without its small quirks and inconsistencies.
