A catch up with ol mates at one of the local whisky bars, and a very entertaining and knowledgeable bartender had got us to try out this curvy, swirly ice cream inspired bottle that was little known to me. But with all that talking, low lighting, and 90’s music, all I got was a sliver of what the spirit had to offer. It was but natural, for my hands to reach out for a bottle of the Glenglassaugh if ever I got the chance; and two weeks back I did.

This Highland distillery sources its water from the mineral rich Glassaugh spring; while they age their whiskies in coastal warehouses situated close to the North Sea. The 12 in specific, is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon, sherry and red wine casks, with the expression gradually evolving from its continued interaction with both wood and maritime. What to me was initially construed as a swirly ice cream inspired bottle has now been debunked, the bottle to me mimics it’s contours from the ripples of water from the Glassaugh or possibly mirroring the waves of the North Sea.

ABV : 45%

Eye : Deep Gold | Natural Colouring

Nose : Vanilla with a bit of smoke, grain and honey. Green pepper and cinnamon, some wood and milk chocolate. Toffee with hints of salt, raspberries, cantaloupe, red apples and sweet fruit.

Taste : Caramel with an earthy silhouette, some peat, pine wood with a pinch of pepper. Some dried fruits, hints of creme brulee and smoke with a hint of seaweed.

Finish : Medium to Long | Some fruit and brine with a bit of smoke, red wine and woody spice.

Though fresh and well bodied, this one isn’t blessed with depth of flavour. At the heart it might seem mundane on paper, but it is far from that, subduing its weaknesses by keeping them well bolted to the floor. All the flavours have been thoughtfully infused, each adorning a role in the symphony it plays so well. The whisky is subtle, wholesome and so well balanced that it does a great job in highlighting its strengths, polarising what little it has.

At AUD 114, it’s not cheap for a 12 YO whisky, taking  top shelf tier. But in its defence it does provide a plush and leisurely experience that has been blended so harmoniously. I really did get a kick with this one and for that reason, I am open to trying this one again and maybe some of its other expressions too.

If you ever get to give this one a gulp, do let me know your thoughts.

Slainte!