Maker: Glen Scotia, Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland, UK (Loch Lomond Group).
Style: Single malt Scotch whisky.
Region: Campbeltown
Cooperage: Ex-bourbon casks.
Age: 15 y/o
ABV: 46%
Michigan state minimum: $70
Appearance: Light copper.
Nose: Sweet malt, dried flowers, lemon custard, butterscotch.
Palate: Medium bodied and light. Crème brûlée, Meyer lemon, butter toffee, seaspray.
Finish: Vanilla, light oak, burn.
Parting words: For years, Glen Scotia was the “other” Campbeltown distillery. Springbank was (and remains to be honest) the better known distillery in town. Even when Glengyle returned to the land of the living, it was still the other. In 2015 Scotia’s owners decided to try to do something about this. They remade their product line and expanded distribution. This 15 y/o iteration was one of the products of that rebooting (as was the Double Oak). It’s not too far out of the ordinary for a middle aged single malt aged in bourbon barrels, but it is a very good example of one. Its 46% ABV gives it a nice punch as well.
Glen Scotia may never entirely escape from Springbank’s shadow but this is a solid malt, one I’d buy again without hesitastion. Glen Scotia 15 is recommended.