A second single cask Glengoyne by Malts of Scotland, bottled in June 2009 and released a couple of weeks ago. It’s four months younger than the Glengoyne 1972 sherry cask and matured in ex-bourbon oak this time. Malts of Scotland bottlings are easily found in Germany, not so much in the rest of Europe, but I’m sure this will change if they keep up their high standards.

Glengoyne 36yo 1973 (55,1%, Malts of Scotland 2009, cask #677, 138 btl.)

Nose: very fragrant (slightly flowery). Charles McLean identified it as “ladies powder” and although I wouldn’t have come up with this myself, it’s actually well described. Unique. Again lots of fruit jams (tons of raspberries). Some warm, yellow apple with whiffs of cinnamon. Honeysuckle (lovely). Juicy and sugary, with red candy and vanilla. More malty notes than the 1972. Mouth: the same fruity sweetness, but fresher and slightly more sourish. Oily mouth-feel and very balanced. Vanilla again. Fruit cake and tangerine. Finish: sweet, on apples and lots of spices. Hints of pink grapefruit.

The 1972 and 1973 share quite a lot of qualities even though they’re matured in different cask types (the sherry influence was less typical and leaning towards the bourbon cask). Also, none of the oak types interfere. They enable the distillery character to shine through, instead of overpowering the spirit. The 1973 Glengoyne is probably a tad more vibrant, but in the end they’re equally great. Same price: around € 180.

Score: 91/100