Glengoyne 9 Years Old 2005 123.11 The big bang theory (57%, SMWS, 1st Fill Bourbon Barrel, 231 Bottles, 2014)

• Highland single malt scotch whisky
• 57% ABV, £44.00
• Score: 84/100

What they say:

Cask No. 123.11

This was one of those drams that had the panel up in arms. At first they found horseradish and mustard seed heat morphing into crushed nettles with lemon and grapefruit skin. A sweetness of Mr Whippy vanilla ice cream emerged with custard cream. The undiluted taste was lip puckering but delicious with a chewy texture of hard candy, banana chips and tablet. It became sweeter with water with golden sultanas, hokey pokey crunch, blueberries, potato wedges drizzled with honey. Old wingback chairs, new shoes, then saffron and orange, creamy cappuccino, affogato with pine nuts in the finish.

Drinking tip: It will leave an impression – all good!

Date Distilled: 4 May 2005 Colour: Ripe bananas Age: 9 years Flavour : Deep, rich & dried fruits Cask Type: First fill ex-bourbon barrel Whisky Region: Highland Southern

Outturn: 231 bottles

What I say:

Sampled 12th December 2014 during a visit to SMWS Queen Street venue.

Distilled at Glengoyne distillery (SMWS distillery #123)

Colour:

Full gold

Nose:

Vanilla custard, sweet, golden syrup and oilseed rape honey, light cereal notes, lemon and grapefruit citrus

Taste:

Fruity, woodland blossom honey, syrupy, apple, pear, orange oil and zesty grapefruit, vanilla custard and crème brulee

Finish:

Long, zesty and citric oak wood

Overall:

Refreshing and enjoyable, another Glengoyne matured in ex-bourbon casks, this time with more vanilla influence and some alternative fruity flavours compared to 123.12 Treasure hunt ~ 57.6% (SMWS)