This is the second release in the Icons of Campbeltown series from Glen Scotia distillery. While it doesn’t have clear information on the packaging, this release is inspired by the legend of Saint Michael. He’s depicted slaying a fire-breathing dragon in the carvings on Campbeltown’s Market Cross.
It is a 14 year old medium peated Glen Scotia spirit, finished in red Barolo wine casks.
Glen Scotia 14 yo ‘Icons of Campbeltown’ (56,8%, OB 2024, Medium peated Barolo red wine finish)
Nose: the Campbeltown character overcomes the wine. Maritime smoke, hints of boat rope and wet oak. Some smoked bacon underneath. Sweeter hints of dark fruits (maybe black cherry) and caramelized nuts as well. Then caramel flan, some roasted coffee beans, old leather and toasted rye bread.
Mouth: quite malty now, with a brown sugar and honey sweetness. The peat level may be a little lower, but there’s still a nicely warming sooty side. Charcoal too. Raisins and dates, as well as Szechuan pepper. The Barolo is leaving a rubbery note and some grapes, but within limits I’d say.
Finish: long, with more smoked bacon, along with dark chocolate and pepper.
A sweet and peaty Glen Scotia, with a red wine influence I can handle. A bonus point for matching the wine cask so well. A very solid release with a nice dark side. Still available from The Whisky Exchange or Royal Mile Whiskies for instance.