Glen Scotia 12 Year (2022 Seasonal Release)

This is an excellent after-dinner drink. It's also suitable for drinking while enacting revenge on someone who wronged you, especially after deceiving them and offering them a fine sherry. That literary allusion is irresistible. This Scotch is finished in Amontillado casks and aged for 12 years, and the word Amontillado immediately brings that story to mind. Who doesn't think of it when they hear the word? It's certainly avoidable if one hasn't read the story, but for me, it conjures images of imprisoning someone after drugging them for retribution, leading to their demise through suffocation or starvation. That's my association with Amontillado. Despite the somber beginning, my initial assessment stands. This isn't a spirit for constant consumption. It pairs best with crème brûlée, cake, or even cookies. It's sweet, a characteristic imparted by the Amontillado. We seldom get Campbeltown Scotches in our area, if ever. You all frequently discuss Springbank and Longrow, leaving me feeling envious. So, when two Glen Scotias appeared locally, this one and the 15-year, I seized the opportunity: a cask strength special release with an age statement for $80! I immediately bought it. I missed out on the 15. It's gone now, and for that price, there are other options I'd prefer. Furthermore, the allure of this particular bottling lies in the Amontillado. I've never tasted Amontillado, nor have I had a Scotch finished in it. That was part of its appeal. I didn't research Amontillado much beforehand (I keep typing the word because I find it so pleasing). It is a type of sherry, but what kind? It must be quite sweet, as it gives this dram an aroma of burnt caramel, vanilla, and cherry. When I say vanilla, I mean pure vanilla extract, the kind used in baking, the potent kind with a strong alcoholic undertone, akin to melted French Vanilla ice cream distilled. It's exceptional, but best in moderation. The palate features candied cherry with that same vanilla, creating a creamy sensation on the tongue. The finish is long and has a spicy yet sweet quality, making you anticipate not just the next sip, but also your next bite of whatever delectable dessert you've chosen to accompany it. Believe me, if you're planning to bury someone alive and celebrate with Mexican Chocolate Trifle, Orange Curd, and Pomegranate Pudding, this is the drink for you.

Exceptional spirit with abundant notes of dried dark fruits, yellow fruits, nuts, ginger, honey, and salted caramel. Smell: Golden raisins, almonds, pineapples, Nutella, salted caramel, vanilla, blood oranges, plums, dates, strawberry jam, guava, honey, white chocolate, banana bread, walnuts, figs, Luxardo cherries Taste: Raisins, plums, milk chocolate, dates, coconuts, vanilla, yellow plums, almonds, butter cookies, peaches, apricots, mangoes, salted caramel, butterscotch, gingerbread Finish: Mocha, prunes, raisins, violets, milk chocolate, treacle, honey, maple syrup, walnuts, plums, roses, orgeat

The nose offers dried fruits, particularly dried citrus and orange zest, complemented by subtle baking spices. The palate presents vanilla, nutty notes, dried fruits, herbs, and spices, with the finish mirroring this, predominantly featuring vanilla and salted herbs. Adding a drop of water enhances both the nose and palate, revealing the herbs and dried fruits more clearly, and allowing the influence of the Amontillado Sherry to be perceived.

The signature Glen Scotia character shines brightly here. This is the finest seasonal offering I've had from them. Nose: cooked fruit, burnt matchsticks, dark tobacco leaves, and hazelnuts. That familiar Glen Scotia salty, briny undertone. Palate: Caramel, toasted nuts, brown sugar, charred barrel smoke. It needs a touch of water to mellow the high alcohol content. Subtle strawberry and banana notes persist in the finish.

First pour. A tiny bit of water was needed. Nose: Dried fruits, vanilla, sherry, and subtle baking spices. Rich on the tongue with vanilla, nutty sherry, warmth, and spices. The finish is long, featuring vanilla, nutty sherry notes, warmth, and lingering spicy elements. Initial thoughts are that it's somewhat straightforward, but skillfully made.

Nose: Dry sherry, raisins, orange zest, nutty. Some milk chocolate on the exhale. Palate: Oak, sultanas, with an intensifying spice. Underlying salted caramel. Finish: Initially very dry. Spicy with notes of apple pie and vanilla custard.