Glengoyne 15 Year (Discontinued)

I'm considering a bottle-finishing week soon, though with my current diet, it might stretch into a month (I'm trying to reduce my weekday drinks). This bottle is on that list with about 3-4 servings remaining (conservative pours). So, let's dive in; I clearly enjoy it if it's nearly gone. Color - I usually avoid commenting on this, but since it's a brand known for sherry, the color is quite golden. That said, this one is a blend of sherry and bourbon, with the label indicating a greater emphasis on bourbon barrels. This is my second purchase from Glengoyne, and neither has been a sherry bomb (I have had the 25, which is amazing and very sherry-forward). So, a heads-up for those expecting their products to be exclusively sherry-influenced – this isn't it. Nose - Definitely vanilla and oak. Pineapple and white sugars. A good swirl reveals a hint of berry. I detect a touch of alcohol, which I didn't expect at 43%. Taste - Vanilla, tropical fruits, oak, some spice, some candy, more vanilla, baked goods. I genuinely believe this is a quality whisky, and it drinks with a fuller body than the 43% ABV would suggest, which is a major plus for me. However, I just can't justify buying another bottle, which makes it sad that it's nearly finished. This is a quality whisky, but at the same time, a bit unexciting. I was hoping for sherry and didn't get it. I was also looking for a great bourbon finish and while I got the vanilla notes, I didn't find the complexity I desired. For me, this is a classic example of a 2-star whisky. Everything about it is good, but nothing stands out. In some ways, it's a fair price for its age and the use of some sherry casks, but it also feels somewhat overpriced. I'll have to revisit them, but I felt the 12-year-old offered more of what I was looking for from the brand. Anyway, if this profile suits you, I think it's a reasonable purchase if you want to explore something new, but otherwise, I wouldn't seek this one out.

I saw a sample set from Glengoyne with 10, 15, and 18 year expressions for a decent price. I already tried the 10 year, so now it's time for the 15. This expression is 43% ABV and has no added color, but it's likely chill filtered. The color is a honey gold, and it leaves medium beads and thick, slow legs in the glass. The aroma hit with honey nut cereal, butterscotch, and a hint of oak. After some time, vanilla bean and stronger oak notes emerged, creating a nice mix of sweetness and wood. However, the taste was a bit disappointing. Oak was the main flavor and was harsher than expected. A buttery note smoothed things out at the end, but there was no depth. I actually preferred the 10 year's taste more. The finish was short to medium and oily, again not very memorable for a 15 year old. In summary, it's an okay malt suitable for a mixed drink with ice. It's not complex enough for serious sipping, but I'm trying to see it as a good value, reasonably priced single malt rather than just calling it dull. If you want something exciting, look elsewhere. I'm hoping the 18 year will be more complex. It's still a solid 3-star whisky. Enjoy.

This brings me close to completing my exploration of the older Glengoyne core range. I find the 10 and 12-year expressions to be suitable entry-level whiskies, but the 18-year is what truly elevates the distillery for me. I am anticipating this bottling will align with that higher standard. And, as indicated by the title, this is the discontinued 15-year-old. I didn't realize I was affording myself an opportunity to taste an older formulation when I purchased one of these older bottles. A fortunate discovery; let's hope it lives up to expectations. Aroma: Notes of apple, pear, plum, and apricot are present. Raisin, date, and fig also appear. It's a pleasant bowl of fruit. Welch's White Grape Juice. Floral notes. Orange citrus. Sugar cookie. Palate: Flavors of toffee, honey, malt, butterscotch, vanilla, and caramel dominate. Sugar cookie is also detected. Plum, raisin, date, and fig are present, along with banana. Welch's White Grape Juice makes another appearance. Almond and walnut notes emerge. Milk chocolate and peanut butter are discernible. Oak and white pepper add complexity. The palate is truly outstanding. Finish: Almond and walnut. Vanilla, butterscotch, and caramel. Orange citrus and black pepper. Clove, nutmeg, white pepper, and oak. Cinnamon. The finish is of moderate to short duration. I would say this expression is comparable to the 18-year-old. If pressed, I would likely choose the latter, but the 15-year stands as a quality whisky in its own right. Its profile is very fruity but not excessively sweet. It is well-balanced and highly enjoyable. At $81, the value for money is excellent, considering the age statement. It is discontinued, so I cannot comment on the price of the newer edition. However, it has significant expectations to meet. The tried-and-true combination of bourbon and sherry casks has resulted in a beautiful whisky in this instance. If you can still find a bottle of this, I strongly recommend it. My rating is 4.25 out of 5.

Disappointing news about the rumor this might be discontinued. One month open, half-full bottle pour (I'm optimistic). Overall sweet ALMOND aroma = trail-mix with Cheerios - not "honey nut" taste = ALMOND, but also a hint of tropical fruit and banana (dried with the trail-mix). Somewhat viscous Finish = shortbread cookie and honey, and even more ALMOND. Value: Reasonably priced, but the score receives a 1/4 point deduction for value - as it's not worth purchasing a bottle (definitely try before buying). A viscous, ALMOND-like experience throughout. This would be excellent either with, or as, a light dessert. I would also present this bottle as a prime example of a non-peated, non-sherry bomb that still delivers a unique, distinct nutty:) experience. 5.0 - go out and buy all of the stock you can find. 4.0 - must buy at least one bottle before you die. 3.0 - solid, must try at a bar, or mooch from a friend. 2.0 - didn't like it, you may. 1.0 - you may have the palate of my dog, and he licks his own ass.

Nose: Sugary; caramel; butter; wool; a farmyard funk; maybe sulfur from candling? Oxide from a poor cap? Melon; vanilla, wood, cantaloupe; bourbon notes? The fruit is present, but overshadowed by sherry. Reminds me of raspberries dipped in dark chocolate. Palate: Starts with sulfur, zest, and dry caramel; waxy. Progresses from sweet to dry, heavy on the sherry without being overwhelming; intricate - lots happening - wine-like as it develops. Nearing the finish: peanut brittle; chestnuts, wood. Medium weight, yet very smooth. Finish: Nutty, pleasantly sweet, woody, more cantaloupe, a less intense finish than the palate. Conclusion: This is a spirit that novices and seasoned whisky aficionados could both enjoy. On the surface, it's similar to Balvenie double cask, but with added funk. However, with patience, complex layers are revealed. Makes me curious about the 12-year-old.

A little sharp, but otherwise somewhat combines the sweet cherry of Macallan 12 at the start with the rich chocolate flavor of Glenmorangie Signet at the end. It offers genuine enjoyable depth and variety at a great price with very few off notes. Fruit, mineral, toffee. It's good, but lacks significant complexity. Toffee, some smoke, raisins, orange zest, subtle peat. This is a rich spirit with a good amount of alcohol, possessing richness and depth with a reasonable sweetness. The malt character is evident in its richness. The alcohol level is unfortunately a bit high, but it is otherwise an excellent drink.