Glengoyne 12 Year Old Review - Cinnamon spice and everything nice

Glengoyne 12 Year Old
Glengoyne Distillery
Taste score: 91.5
Category: Single Malt Scotch, 12 Years Matured
Whisky Cabinet Score: ★ ★ ★ ☆ * 

Glengoyne 12 is the sort of whisky that would have seemed (almost) ordinary back in the day when you could get The Macallan 10 or 12 for under $100. In Today's whisky world, Glengoyne 12 Year Old is rare treat at a price-point that is fairly reasonable.

It's also one of those whiskies that can be as simple as you want it, but if you take the time to enjoy it, more comes through. The predominant flavours of, toffee and cinnamon spice, come through beautifully. The blend of sherry cask and American oak is excellent—not too sweet, not too zesty, not too sharp. The finish fades fast, which is my only real criticism.

The distillery also has an interesting claim to fame that might come up in your next game of Whisky Trivia Pursuit (not actually a thing). Glengoyne's marketing is quick to note that the distillery is located on the Highland border, and they mature their whisky in the Lowlands across the road. It's a neat fact to share when doing whisky tastings, but in truth, the whisky speaks for itself.

Nose: Beautiful toffee notes, red apple, herbal licorice notes, some dark chocolate.

Palate: Intense citrus, vanilla, beautiful cinnamon spice, and a wonderful richness. Toffee and buttery notes are predominant throughout. The finish is short but sharp.

Conclusion: An excellent balance of ex-sherry cask sweetness with American oak sharpness.

*Whisky Cabinet Rating Explained:
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆  Not recommended
★ ☆ ☆ ☆  Good whisky, but not a ‘must-have’
★ ★ ☆ ☆  Your great regular rotation whisky that'll come and go
★ ★ ★ ☆  Excellent, a near must-have
★ ★ ★ ★  Extraordinary, memorable, and original