Glengoyne Teapot Dram (Batch #3)

The Glengoyne Teapot Dram is a ‘tribute to the daily dram that the Glengoyne workers enjoyed three times each day from copper teapots in the distillery canteen’, a custom that existed until the 1970s.

This expression was launched around 2011 and is only for sale at the distillery. It’s matured in first-fill sherry casks and bottled at cask strength. I believe Batch #4 is the latest available version. Each batch is 3000-3500 bottles.

Glengoyne Teapot Dram (59,4%, OB 2014, first-fill Oloroso casks, Batch #3, 3484 btl.)

Nose: lush and very juicy, with cherry liqueur, strawberry jam, bananas and rummy notes. Hints of vanilla and fresh figs. A good dose of spices too, mainly star anise and cinnamon. Polished exotic wood. Hints of chocolate as well. Great style, classic but very vibrant.

Mouth: strong attack, very sherried of course and maybe a bit on the dry side. Big chocolate notes, varnished wood and pepper. Treacle. Tobacco, liquorice and sweet plum spirit. Hot and tingling – more drinkable with water but I couldn’t find a perfect balance, either it stays oaky or it becomes weak.

Finish: long, dry and spicy. Cinnamon powder and lingering dried fruits.

A real sherry bomb, Karuizawa-style. Fresh, with a highly seductive nose. On the palate I find it a little on the tannic side. Around € 115 at the distillery. Thank you, Wim.

Score: 88/100