Glen Scotia 14yo Icons of Campeltown Release No.2

Glen Scotia 14yo Icons of Campeltown Release No.2

Region: Campbeltown

ABV: 56.8%

Price: £98.00

Today's review features The Icons of Campbeltown Release No. 2, a 14-year-old single malt from Glen Scotia, part of their Icons of Campbeltown series. This release is inspired by the legend of Saint Michael, who is depicted slaying a fire-breathing dragon in the carvings on Campbeltown’s historic Market Cross.

The whisky is medium peated and has been aged in American oak casks, with a six-month finish in ex-Barolo red wine casks.

Nose

The nose is vibrant, lots of Campeltown character, sea spray, smoked meats, grape must, red currants, dirty leather, vanilla fondant and something reminiscent of singed strands of hair. There’s a lovely mustiness here, antiseptic wipes, and sweet candyfloss in the background. It’s one of those drams that shows a different side of it each time you bring it to your nose. There’s a tingly alcohol here but it’s a fairly easy nosing dram given the punchy peat and wine influence.

Palate

The palate opens with a creamy mouthfeel, salted whipped cream, moving into macerated raspberries and strawberries, alongside a touch of lemon juice. The mid palate has a lot of upfront peat, heavier than the nose would lead on, however there’s a balancing vanilla sweetness too. We’re also getting red grapes, leather furniture and a little bit of aniseed too. The finish lingers for a long time with smoked cherries, vanilla, tingly Szechuan pepper spice and a sprinkling of salt. The alcohol is in good balance, perhaps a tad warm on the latter palate but it accentuates the peat for us.

Nose (with water)

The reduced nose has been mellowed somewhat, we’re still finding a lot of the coastal Campeltown character, and most of the previous aromas are still present, they just seem to be joined together more. We’re not sure if it’s better or worse, just a different experience.

Palate (with water)

The reduced palate maintains the creamy mouthfeel and texture, with more lemon juice upfront, but a similar smoky, meaty, leathery main palate. The finish has a touch of smoked bacon and dark chocolate now.

Conclusion

Really, really good quality Glen Scotia. The short finishing period on Barolo has impacted it more than expected, however it’s done well and the original spirit is still able to shine through. The Barolo character works well with the peatier spirit. It’s complex, nuanced and something we want to drink.

Score: 8.5/10

Value

We would have been happier if it were a few pounds cheaper, but we can’t deny the quality of the liquid.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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