Glengoyne Distillery, long celebrated for its sherry-style whiskies, is making a bold move with the introduction of its White Oak range. This new collection marks a significant shift for the distillery, emphasizing maturation in American oak casks rather than the traditional sherry casks.
The New White Oak Range
The White Oak range includes two distinct whiskies: the Glengoyne White Oak and the limited-edition Glengoyne White Oak 24 Years Old. Both whiskies are fully matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon and new oak casks, resulting in a lighter flavour profile and a paler color compared to the distillery’s usual offerings.
Glengoyne White Oak
Image credit: Glengoyne
Joining Glengoyne's core range, the Glengoyne White Oak is a non-age-stated single malt Scotch whisky with an ABV of 47.8%. Tasting notes highlight a vibrant mix of flavors, including bright citrus, red apple, ginger spice, and hints of violet. On the palate, drinkers can expect crème brûlée, candied lemon, jam tarts, tinned pineapple, toasted oak, and caramel. This whisky aims to embody the distillery’s spirit character, showcasing the classic slow distillation style that Glengoyne is known for.
Glengoyne White Oak 24 Years Old
Image credit: Glengoyne
The White Oak 24 Years Old is an extremely limited-edition release with an ABV of 47.8%. This whisky boasts a rich array of tasting notes, including vanilla, toasted oak, lemon curd, honey, plum jam, desiccated coconut, spiced apple pastry, and a zest of lime on the nose. The palate follows with flavors of lemon and key lime pie, honeycomb, tropical fruit, soft oak, star anise, chocolate, vanilla, toffee apple, and lingering oak. This expression is noted for its gently balanced depth and is a testament to Glengoyne’s dedication to quality wood and slow maturation.
A New Chapter for Glengoyne
Gordon Dundas, Glengoyne’s Brand Advocacy Director, expressed excitement about the new releases, stating that these whiskies are a significant first for Glengoyne. “Releasing two exceptional Glengoyne whiskies, fully matured exclusively in American white oak, including a remarkable limited 24 Years Old, marks a significant first for Glengoyne. These whiskies showcase our slow distillation process producing our signature fruity house style and our commitment to using the finest casks. We're thrilled for both long-time Glengoyne lovers and new enthusiasts to experience these pioneering drams."
Image credit: Glengoyne
Master Blender John Glass also shared his enthusiasm, highlighting the quality of the wood used in the maturation process. “Our dedication to the best quality wood imparts itself in every expression from Glengoyne, and the White Oak range is a celebration of exactly that. I love Glengoyne in bourbon wood — the distillery character balances wonderfully with the vanilla, coconut, and spice from the casks — so have been eager to create expressions that showcase this style.”
Availability
Both the Glengoyne White Oak and the Glengoyne White Oak 24 Years Old are available globally from specialist whisky retailers and the distillery’s website. The White Oak has a recommended retail price (RRP) of £55, while the White Oak 24 Years Old is priced at £430.
Conclusion
The launch of the White Oak range marks a new and exciting chapter for Glengoyne. By exploring maturation in American oak, the distillery is broadening its flavour profile and offering whisky enthusiasts a fresh experience while maintaining the slow, deliberate distillation process that has made Glengoyne a beloved name in the whisky world. Whether you are a long-time fan or a new enthusiast, the White Oak range promises to deliver a unique and delightful tasting experience.
About Glengoyne Distillery
Glengoyne Distillery, nestled in the picturesque countryside just north of Glasgow, Scotland, is renowned for producing some of the finest Highland single malt Scotch whiskies. Established in 1833, Glengoyne has a rich history that spans nearly two centuries. The distillery's unique location, straddling the boundary between the Highlands and the Lowlands, allows it to claim the best of both worlds: it distills its spirit in the Highlands but matures its whisky in the Lowlands. This distinctive geographic feature contributes to the unique character of Glengoyne’s whiskies.
One of Glengoyne's defining characteristics is its unwavering commitment to traditional whisky-making methods. The distillery prides itself on its slow distillation process, one of the slowest in Scotland, which allows for a greater development of flavor and complexity in the spirit. The stills at Glengoyne operate at a leisurely pace, ensuring that only the purest vapors ascend to create a smooth and refined whisky. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in the final product, which is renowned for its delicate and complex flavors.
Glengoyne is also notable for its approach to maturation. The distillery uses only the finest sherry casks sourced from Jerez, Spain, to age its whisky. These casks impart rich, deep flavors of dried fruits, spices, and chocolate to the spirit, resulting in a whisky that is both luxurious and well-balanced. Additionally, Glengoyne’s emphasis on natural processes means that its whiskies are free from artificial coloring, allowing the natural hues from the oak casks to shine through.
The range of whiskies produced by Glengoyne showcases the distillery’s dedication to quality and tradition. From the entry-level Glengoyne 10 Year Old, which offers a light and fruity profile, to the more mature and complex expressions like the Glengoyne 21 Year Old, each bottle reflects the distillery’s craftsmanship. The Glengoyne Cask Strength series is particularly revered by whisky enthusiasts for its bold flavors and high proof, providing a more intense experience of the distillery’s signature style.
Glengoyne's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship further sets it apart. The distillery has implemented various eco-friendly practices, such as using local spring water for production, recycling waste materials, and investing in renewable energy sources. These efforts reflect Glengoyne’s dedication to preserving both the natural environment and the heritage of Scotch whisky-making for future generations.
In summary, Glengoyne Distillery is a testament to the art of traditional Scotch whisky-making. Its unique geographic position, slow distillation process, use of premium sherry casks, and commitment to natural and sustainable practices all contribute to the exceptional quality of its whiskies. Whether enjoyed by a novice or a seasoned aficionado, a dram of Glengoyne offers a rich and authentic taste of Scotland’s whisky heritage.