Glen Scotia Victoriana

This is an interesting evolution of Glen Scotia 15. It has some more character to it. It's maltier with more gross bread but not in a super offensive way (not in a great way either though). It tastes very earthy. There's some sweetness here but unfortunately there is more on the nose than in the body. It's a bit spicier than Glen Scotia 15 with more fruit (astringent citrus) and flowers coming out. The smoke is also a bit sharper. The barrelnis definitely there, but it is less monotone and oppressive than in Glen Scotia 15. I'd say this edges out Glen Scotia 15 and I'd be fine drinking it, but I am not a bit fan. Ultimately, it still has a strong gross bread flavor, making it disappointing. It's disappointing that the caramel flavor that is so present in the nose turns out to just be more like cereal in the palate and is less rich. The balance ultimately works fine, but not in a really compelling way. I would drink this without complaint if offered it and it might suit some people's palates, so maybe it is a reasonable choice at the Glen Scotia 15 price point, but at its own price point this is just not worth it.

The nose is a little shy and doesn't prepare you for the blast of flavor that this malt brings on the palate. Malty apple figgy pudding on the nose (of course as an American, I've never actually had figgy pudding, so that's just a guess at what I think it should smell like). The palate is sweet honey, raisin, chocolate, tart pear and pear tart, rounding out with vanilla and some oaky, tobacco, leathery finish. Nice and oily. The proof is perfect. Really quality dram. I'm reminded a bit of Balcones Single Malt, which is surely due to the new charred oak finishing, but this is better. More bourbon-like in flavors, but you can also taste the sherry in this one. Also, there's no Campbeltown funk here, but maybe a little smoky oak. They can't all be Springbanks, but it's really good though.

Nose: Sweat, greasy machinery, leather, tannins, mildew on dirty rags, my dads musty basement, old dusty books, slight honey, vanilla, smoke, funk Palette: light smoke, old books, sawdust, deep honey notes, vanilla, citrus peels, apples, sweaty clothes, raisins Finish: Long, full bodied, sourdough bread, creamy, vanilla, honey, moldy wood, Home Depot wood section I know my description may be off putting but this is one unique and incredible whisky. Possibly my favorite out of my Glen scotia collection (15,16,18, and this). The smell of old books in an abandoned library and greasy machinery teleports me for the Victorian era! Don’t skip on this campbell town funk!

Drammers club online pour. Initially aged in a combination of first and second fill bourbon casks, then 70% is aged in Heavily charred American oak with 30% aged in PX Butts for 12 months, then married for 6 months before bottling. Average age of 12 years. Great stuff. Nose: Toffee, Banana Cream Pie, Caramel, Chocolate, Raisins, Cinnamon, Cherries, Flowers, Dates, Nutmeg, Salted Cod, Coffee, Almonds, Figs, Hazlenuts, Honey, Coconut, Smoke, Peach Palate: Salted Caramel, Chocolate, Honey, Banana Cream Pie, Dates, Figs, Raisins, Cherries, Mangoes, Pineapples, Citrus, Coconut Finish: Salted Caramel, Honey, Chocolate, Pineapple, Plums, Dried Fruit, Toffee, Coffee

Light on the nose with mild floral notes and a touch of alcohol and hints of citrus. Full bodied entry hits without drama but immediately moves into a fairly sharp alcohol burn and an urgent finish with hints of spice. Complexity is low and doesn’t have the refinement of aged scotch but the full bodied not too sweet approach might appeal to folks who look for something that feels stronger than the popular Spey side and highland brands. Not sure it’s worth the asking price though

Nose: Lemon, oats, apple pie, leather, dates, dark chocolate. Palate: Marzipan, tobacco, crystallised ginger Finish: Brown sugar development into a long minty finish and a hint of chilli spice and smoke. A tasty whisky with a lovely heavy nose and oily full mouthfeel. Benefits from water to draw out the complexity. Not in the same class as the 15yr old but few drams are. Glen Scotia, I love thee.