This seldom heard bottling jumped onto my headlights on my trip back to Perth; the salesmen didn’t miss the opportunity either, selling a strong and rather persistent pitch. It did seem like he knew his spirits, but there was surely some gift of gab at play. Nevertheless, I thought, why not give this one a try….and here we are!

Now, Glen Scotia isn’t your regular goto distillery, but is still very much known, albeit not as common. The expression takes its name after its place of origin – Campbeltown and its year of spawn – 1832!

The 1832 has no age attached and have been finished in American Oak and Pedro Xiemenes (PX) Sherry casks. I would assume like many, their new make spirits were initially aged in ex-bourbon barrels. The colour surely has percolated from the PX marriage, as the whisky is all natural and devoid of any artificial colouring. The high ABV doesn’t necessarily require any chill filtering as well, a plus! Now, the Glen Scotia isn’t your regular peat affinite distillery, but the malted barley leveraged for this particular brew is more peated than usual.

ABV : 46%

Eye : Yellow Gold | Natural Colouring | Non Chill Filtered

Nose : Ash, smoke and caramel welcomes you at first, followed by hints of pineapple and oak. You get mild nuances of dates and dehydrated mango with hints of vanilla cake. There is surely some brine and cardboard; earthy bits infused with green pepper and possibly the sweetness of some cardamom.

Taste : Smoke and caramel with a whisper of brine; wood, char, and vanilla cake with traces of green pepper, a hint of mango and cardamom.

Finish : Medium | Smoke and brine with vanilla sweetness and a mild warm spice

The Glen Scotia Campbeltown is a straightforward whisky – pleasant and sweet, layered with peaty influences on both the palate and the nose. Not too potent, the peat is balanced, with the whisky not too sweet but well restrained. Good complexity in general, there however is not much breadth on the palate as I would have wished.

At AUD 120, it’s sits bang in the middle, representing good value for money. Surely not a peat power house, but rather a great introduction into peat for beginners or amateurs who wish to enter this realm! At 46%, it’s not too harsh either and does well without dilution. All in all, the 1832 is a good dram that doesn’t disappoint and stays true to what is prophesies.

Slainte!