Unless things go horribly awry, I’ll be in Campbeltown in 9 days. Contrary to what you might expect we’re not visiting any distilleries, since time is ridiculously limited and we’re already visiting Watt Whisky. Of course, we’re visiting some shops to gawk at bottles we can’t reliably take across the North Sea due to Brexit being ridiculous.

Anyway, the main part of the trip is to Arran, where we are for the rest of the week. Climbing Goatfell, some other hikes, visiting the Isle of Arran distillery, stuff like that, is planned.

Nonetheless, I wanted to drink some things that get me in the mood of walking around Campbeltown and seeing all kinds of places that used to be distilleries. Of course, with there being nothing left from that era, we are upping the vintage significantly. Although, this whisky still was made some four years before I was born.

I managed to get a sample of this at De Whiskykoning, and decided to try it on a quiet moment yesterday evening. I didn’t intend to drink all 5cls of it, but with things as they are, I didn’t stick to my intentions. Mostly because I find this a truly kick-ass whisky. Let’s find out why.

Sniff:
Wholemeal bread, apple skins, charcoal dust, old white oak. A light note of vanilla cream and a whiff of cheddar. Dried apple too.

Sip:
A bit sweeter before the raging dryness comes in. Oak shavings and sawdust. A mountain of black pepper. Hessian, marram grass, charcoal, dried apple peels. A touch of vanilla in the background.

Swallow:
Again, slightly sweet with pepper and vanilla. Less oak and a sudden green note.

Generally, I’m not always sure about older vintages Glen Scotia. I know they had the setup and skills to make awesome stuff, but what was actually put into a bottle down the line generally didn’t cut it. Of course, with this being from an independent bottler, things are different. And how!

It’s a very light whisky, with all tasting notes being what they are. What lifts this one up is how strong all the flavors are, and the strong note of charcoal that comes with it. It makes for a rather unique dram, even though it is kind-of true to the distillery character. Utterly interesting, and highly enjoyable. Great stuff!

89/100