As you know, new make spirit needs to be matured for at least 3 years in oak casks before it can be labeled “whisky”. This Glentauchers 2006 is whisky, but only barely.

Glentauchers is a Chivas-owned distillery without official bottlings. Although it has a significant production capacity, everything is blended into the Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal blends. Independent bottlings have also been available from Duncan Taylor, Blackadder, Gordon & MacPhail… This 20cl bottling is part of the Càrn Mòr vintage collection.

Glentauchers 3yo 2006
(46%, Carn Mor 2009, 921 btl.)

Nose: still very typically new-make, very sweet with hints of banana and Frosties (Frosted Flakes). The raw materials are easily recognizable. Some hints of fruit (pear, tinned pineapple) and vanilla but not complex. Mouth: this is interesting. More fruit, marshmallows, sweet apples and quite some spices (nutmeg, pepper, ginger). Some cocoa towards the finish. Hints of speculoos? Finish: very long, very sweet and slightly peppered.

In a way, this is quite enjoyable, although you can’t compare it to proper malt whisky. I would be happy to have it as an aperitif. Around € 10 for 20cl.

Score: 72/100