Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch 009

I've never concurred that Glengoyne is the direct competitor to Glendronach. This is a notion I've encountered numerous times, and I don't believe those two spirits taste even slightly similar. Regardless, I have respect for Glengoyne, which is why I purchased the Cask Strength Batch 9. This bottling is at 59.6% abv and was matured in a first-fill Oloroso cask, then a refill cask, and finished in a Bourbon Barrel. On the nose, it's exceptionally sweet. Coffee with dulce de leche; Christmas cake and oranges. Spongy cake with toffee. Some citrus notes are also present. After an initial taste, I detected salted caramel. Orange juice. On the palate, it's delightful. "Arequipe" dulce de leche; herbal notes. This is precisely a dulce de leche birthday cake. The aftertaste is somewhat brief but follows the same pattern. Toffee, salt, caramel; a touch metallic. Overall, this was highly, highly enjoyable. Not complex at all, featuring simple, direct notes that are beautifully delivered for a very satisfying experience. Surprisingly good, my rating for it is 89 out of 100.

More sherry character than Batch 8. Honey and spice with a hint of fruit. If Batch 8 was like honey nut clusters, then Batch 9 is that plus some dried fruit. Excellent stuff!