it’s honestly kind of amazing how accessible and affordable this is considering it’s a 15 y/o campbeltown malt. where i am (los angeles) it’s available in nearly every major chain liquor store and even cheaper than the nas longrow
While watching this for the first time (August 7, 2020) I remembered a Glen Scotia tucked away. I just opened it, poured a bit and added some water and capped the glass. Let it be for 20 minutes and was amazed by the aroma. It is a Rum cask finished, distilled in 2003, and bottled at cask strength (51.3 ADV) for the Campelltown Malts Festival of 2019. Wonderful taste.
I've just visited Glen Scotia Distillery a few days ago and it was a fantastic tour. Just very passionate people making it. They mentioned that the very best casks come from the top of the warehouse where it's hot and the sun hits the casks from the skylights. They have angels share like any other warehouse but the heat also makes the casks lose water and so the alcoholic strength stays fairly high and they get a super concentrated liquid. I thought that was an interesting tidbit anyway. They're also experimenting with casks that were converted by their Loch Lomond cooperage to store upright. Mostly for space reasons but it'd be interesting to see how it turns out.
spankmeister That's fascinating! They use a tall warehouse instead of dunnage? That would explain the flavour. It's very concentrated Bourbon on the nose and the tongue. The heat would contribute to that. But for real... They have skylights in a whisky warehouse? That's unconventional for Scotch.
OMG, and with out any exaggeration, you nailed this one Ralfy. I had the great pleasure in sharing this dram whilst you strolled through all the notes, and nothing missed. It is indeed a hidden gem, just dont tell too many people.
Just opened a miniature of this, not sure if it's the same batch, but it has the same label (not the new one they introduced about 2022). Absolutely superb, complex, rich, and every whiff and sip surprises me over and over again. I am an old Campbeltown lover since having bought a Springbank "Local Barley" in 1993. The most surprising thing was the distinct note of parsley(!) on my third nosing which stayed long in the foreground, even after adding a few drops of water. When it went, there was something I would compare to German yeast pastry with poppy seeds. I love this so much!
My God Ralfy, I’m an agnostic but in this case I have to reference God. It is everything you said it was, in a few words quite an experience. Thank you for recommending this fine “invisible” single malt, what a treat. I was fortunate to find a bottle in a local shop and snatched it right up. I am indebted to you malt mate of the Isle of Man, you are indeed a true spirit anorak. I also tried the Barbancourt 15 year old rhum, what a blessing that was to taste. Thank you again good man of Man, what pleasure it is to draw breath and walk the earth and taste things such as these man and nature has made!
Glen Scotia 15 and Barbancourt 15 are favorites of mine as well. I hope GS 15 stays under the radar and affordable as a daily drinker. Spending a week in Haiti next month and will bring back a couple bottles of that fine rhum...
Dear Ralfy, After watching this review I hunted down a bottle of this Glen Scotia 15 and have a dram in front of me while I type. Thank you for this thorough interpretation. I have left mine sit for a good 15 minutes with a drop of water and was surprised by the toffee and honey notes with spice. What a revelation for me this is!!! Thank you again!!!!
I was just there on Monday and received a personal tour from the distillery manager. The 15 is 99% first fill bourbon with a short finish in sherry. I got my first bottle in US about 9-10 months ago so it has been out for a while. Nice review and I concur.
I bought this 'cause of your review and OMG what a whisky. Such rich, elegant and tasteful dram. Absolutely delicious. It deserves the 92/100. A must have! Greetings from Brazil!
Agreed, appears to be rebranded again. Last bottle bought last week looked like Ralfy's but today same store different bottle, "Rich and Smooth" on label not a good sign, says non chill filtered. At least the price hasn't changed $72.00 US
First pour: what is Ralfy talking about? That's underwhelming. In the low 80s. Second pour weeks later: wow. THAT'S what Ralfy is talking about. I fully agree. 92. Patience. As always.
Hi Ralfy I watched your video on the gs 15year old whiskey and I enjoyed it, and your 92 rating 👍 I liked it so much, I drove 125 miles round trip to my favorite liquor store to buy a bottle of it, and I picked up a bottle of the Gs victoriana also, I'm having a shot of the 15year now and I'm doing a neck pour, and it's not great yet but it needs time in the glass, I can tell this is going to be a very good whiskey, thank you ralfy for your knowledge about whiskey, you are very entertaining to watch and I don't buy any whiskey until I watch your reviews, you haven't been wrong about it yet, now I must look for a review of the glen Scotia victoriana, I'm almost sure you have done one so I will search it out, cheers sir and keep it quality !!!
Thank you, Ralfy, for your lusty review of this malt. I found three dusty bottles at a liquor store near me and purchased one. After seeing your review, and a few tastings--and noting the 2018 bottling date--I returned and purchased the last two after verifying the same 2018 date. Though still somewhat of a whisky novice, I can see why you scored it as you did--a delicious, complex dram that punches above its weight. Thank you again for your reviews--both current and archival!
This has been on my list for a while, I watched this review a long time ago just didn't buy it yet. Until today! Cracking this open shortly when I have some time with no distractions.
It is truly unique in that it is the only malt where I have lots of pine trees in the smell. Been to Greece recently and the place smelled like this whisky. Marvellous stuff!
Just tried this one Ralfy based on your review. It's awesome! The best Glen Scotia I've tasted. Love your work mate, I'll be getting a second bottle I think. Slainte mhath!
Well Ralfy. I bought a bottle after your review. And after 2/3 of the bottle, I most say: You're right. This is an excellent malt. Thank you for the hint. Fabrizio
Memorable is a great way to describe it. I had a sample a few days ago and have been thinking back to it a lot (which I don’t typically do with scotch). Definitely a sign that I need to grab a bottle!
Bought Glen Scotia at about the time of this video. Bought the double cask first, then went back for the 15 year old. The double cask was middling. LOVED the 15 year old. It was a consensus opinion of mine and friends invited to share it. We were surprised since we hadn't heard of Glen Scotia and our favorite bottle shop only had it from a special request of another customer. Anyway, I just viewed your review and was so pleased that you loved it too. Really motivated me to find another bottle. I had to travel, but found the last bottle in the area last night. Happily placed in my Scotch closet and saving for a special occasion. Just hope this recent batch is as I remembered the first one from 3 years ago. Cheers and keep up the great videos! We love them!
I'll be sure to come back and let you know. Still unopened. Have too many open bottles and am waiting to thin that inventory down a bit. I will share another opinion though. Just picked up a 12 yr. Old Glenallachie and the 10 year old cask strength. Opened the 12 and love it! Tough to find in St. Louis but my go to shop just got the 10, 12, 15 and 18 year old. Highly reccommend the 12.
@@philmcqueen4659 Cheers I appreciate the answer and look forward to hearing your thoughts whenever you crack it open. Glenallachie 12 is great and so is the 10 Cask Strenght. Enjoy!
Ralfy. I was able to get the only bottle available in Western Massachusetts. You are right my friend. This is an "hors de categorie" whisky: refined, complex, and unique in ways I can't describe. Thanks for your insight. Is money well spent.
I just purchased this one today at 84 USD. It is actually one of my favorites. No red lettering but still non chill filtered. Doesn't say natural color. It's so tasty.
Just bought this in NJ where it was on the shelf for $55. Poured it and let it breathe for an hour in a glencairn. Have to say this this stuff is fantastic. Thx for the review and recommendation!!
I also had to buy another bottle, just opened one, the second one is going to be stashed. I liked the smell of freshly poured dram, it was full of pleasant camphor and eucalyptus, when it settled, the orange game started. It's definitely one of the most interesting whiskies I have ever tasted.
Ralfy you were spot on with the nose... It smells like Bourbon, plain and simple. I have never, ever encountered a Scotch that smells like this. It smells just like my old standby W.L. Weller, or even George Dickel Tennessee Whisky. It freaked me out to smell that smell just now. It was as you put it: startling. I am no cask master but this says first fill wet casks to me all day long. That smell is just unreal coming from a Scotch. The color is a bit dark, but if these were "alligator" charred wet bourbon casks the color could be genuine.
Just purchased this here in the SF Bay area. Cost $90 after tax. Worth every penny. I've never had a whisky with the structure of this one before; really something unique. Thanks for the advice! I am also tempted to buy a second bottle for the future.
It's interesting to think about batch variation. Sometimes, first batches are indeed better than subsequent batches. But even if a subsequent batch isn't worse, per se, it will never be the same as the one before it. The next batch of Glen Scotia 15 could be technically just as good, but not quite the same. So, if we encounter a batch of a whisky we like, it's definitely wise to buy multiple bottles!
Hi Ralfy, I have noticed that Glen Scotia has gone through another packaging makeover from their successful run last year. I think a Re-review on the Glen Scotia 15 would be in order to see if they have maintained the intrinsic quality from when you last reviewed this. I hope I have tempted you with this marvelous proposition!
Bingo!! Had a feeling it was this one you were going to review. Reassuring to hear that your view of it is similar to mine from my previous comment in that it has that rich, dense and lively (lots going on, in my speak) vibe to it. Been seeking a malt that has that balance of richness and smoke undertones and so far I think this hits the spot from what I have tried so far. Just wished you didnt rate it so highly ..... I hope it doesnt go out of stock soon!
Got a bottle last December. Really liked it. Think you have let the cat out the bag Ralfy. Best I see if I can get a few more before the herd rushes in to get it all. These guys have a tough neighbourhood to get ahead in. Good luck to them.
Despite being a totally different spirit, this reminds me of what Woodford Reserve was like about 15 years ago. Woodford was never small batch as such, but it was certainly different early on. They use Forsythe pot stills I believe, and their whiskey used to be very delicate, sweet, rich in flavor and just... very much like this Glen Scotia 15. I'd love to compare this to a bottle of that old Woodford, but alas, I didn't see the Boom coming back in those early days.
Awesome review Ralfy! I just picked up a bottle of this at the FedEx store that I had shipped from your beautiful country. I am literally salivating in my truck on my way home listening to your notes🙂. I will let you know how it goes!
Totally agree with you, its a great malt and I really like these bold flavour whiskys. The double cask version is also a good one,even though it is a nas whisky. But under 40,- its good quality and they use good casks.
Hey Ralfy, just got a bottle of GS 15 today (nov 18, 2023) in Canada because the back in 2021 this such a great single malt. Unfortunately it no longer deserves a 93 malt mark. I wouldn't give it more than a 72 at best. How the mighty have fallen!
Purchased a very reasonably priced (rare these days!) bottle of this recently and opened tonight. Wow! This is one of the most interesting and enjoyable drams I’ve ever had. I had to drive to an adjacent state to get it and I’ll be making that trip again soon.
Managed to get my hands on a bottle of this for £41 last year. It's one that is at the back of my cupboard to be enjoyed at a later date (along with my Hakushu 12, and a bottle of Aldi's Mortlach from a few years back - the Glen Marnoch 28)
Thanks Rafy, I managed to get myself a bottle and it did not disappoint. As with all your reviews always on point and a great resource to see if a bottle is worth all the hype or not. Thanks.🥃
Blow me down... the first drop neat is like the only imaginable successful hybrid of Bourbon and Scotch I can imagine. The spirit, despite being Campbeltown is so fine and almost delicate that the bourbon casks have settled over it like a warm overcoat. This is something different and fascinating.
So glad you like this. You comment upon the singular smell and taste. It reminds me more of an Irish whiskey than a Scotch. In my opinion there is a similarity with Redbreast and even more with Power's John's Lane Release.
Another fantastic review, Ralfy. I've just bought the Glen Scotia Campbeltown Festival bottling for 2020, think I may just purchase this one too! Lovely stuff, cheers!
I also found the Glen Scotia Campbeltown Festival bottling! I was shocked to see a bottle on the shelf in St Louis Missouri, so grabbed it. I haven't opened it yet. Interested in your opinion if you're willing to share.
I agree with everything said here. I did find it to have considerable bitterness, in a vegetable and mineral manner - similar in character to what Springbank has in the background, but to a much more intense degree. It had a strong tree resin or bitter greens (bar bitters, etc.) thing going on - not sure if that is what he meant by resinous, but I found it a dominant note. Glen Scotia has always had that, but not to the same degree. And I did like the previous 16 and 21 expressions perhaps better than the new stuff. It had more sherry, but less burnt sugar. But it was so rarely seen in the States it is hard to remember it - except for the horrible brightly colored highland cattle on the tins. But anyway, my tasting group and I liked this better than the Double Cask expression. And the Victoriana expression for that matter. But I came to like the Victoriana a lot more after I got really into the bottle. However it is much more expensive. So I am hoping "Sir" Ralphy of the golden malt will take on Glen Scotia Victoriana soon.
Thank you very much for a great tip. Great whisky, can only be recommended. It is also available in the Czech Republic and at a reasonable price (1200 CZK / 41 GBP).
This popped up again as a suggestion. I bought a bottle of this after this review. After trying bought another two. It's wonderful stuff. Gracias, Ralfy.
Tried the full range at a recent tasting in Glasgow. ......the 16 year old for travel retail was the standout for me......all good stuff Ralfy. The new 25 year old is super smooth but not as complex as this 15 or the 16 year old. A very different experience as you've said to most other malts on the market and not for the inexperienced whisky drinker who IMHO. ...will not appreciate Glen Scotia for its malts. Keep up the good work Ralf....slainte
Your Explanation is really good as I was seeking to be more intuitive towards Glen Scotia 15 year old. It's so valuable information... I find it as an extremely good-looking bottle like Glenfiddich 18 bottle including cover.Thank you.
Hi Ralfy - really enjoyed the review. Wondering if the current batches are of the same quality? I have recently bought a glen scotia 18 and would like to also buy the 15 to drink side by side. Thanks 🙏
Will be buying, thanks! This video is very humorous to watch in conjunction with Ralfy Review 476, the 21YO Glen Scotia. I just watched that one after missing it when it first came out, so this review was a pleasant surprise. #476 is one of your funniest reviews too. The bottle art has something to do with that, I think.
Color seems to be added, according to the German reviewers, they need to declare it in Germany. Here Scandinavia it only says "Non chill filtered" But, it is really really nice whisky this!
Hi ralfy It's far and in between that you give a 92 points for a bottle, but it is well worth the money, and I wish you would do a review of the glen Scotia victoriana ,it's a nas, but is well worth it, it's one of my favorite scotch whiskeys, there are some whiskey that is just worth the money and this is one !!!
Dear Ralfy, thanks for the insights you provide and the outstanding work over the years! After the sobering reviews lately I’m looking for a treat and wonder if Glen scotia 15 yo still is as good as it was when reviewed. Would love to hear your thoughts on this on after 4 years, especially as it matches the actual consistency / batch variation theme. Best wishes from Germany Frank
i cant speak to its quality now in regards to how it used to be, but i can tell you that i purchased a bottle a couple of weeks ago and ive been extremely impressed with it
Here is a little update from me, I purchased a bottle and I shave to say that this is really an impressive dram! Maybe not a 92, but up there. BTW, IMHO the 8 yo 2022 Campbeltown Festival Edition is even superior to this one. Cheers
Thanks for this Ralfy. I tried it and bought it. I think in the sample I tried there was more oxygenation as the bourbon/sherry arrival was compartmentalized from the touch of smoke on the finish the freshly opened bottle is less clearly divided but just as nice as the first try. Definitely a winner. I hope to see you reviewing more Irish in the future - Redbreast 12 Cask strength and perhaps Green Spot Château Léoville Barton.
The nose very complex nose dominance of dark ripe orange, I bought it cause of price and with no reviews. The arrival beautiful, truly a singular malt flavour full.
Hi Ralfy left a comment a few days ago after a disappointing tasting of a GS 15 purchased in Nov 2023. Now it's still not what I remembered 3 years ago but not as bad as I said. Does whisky improve a bit after opening the bottle for a couple of weeks? Anyway love your show. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻
This is definetly the case! This is why Ralfy alway reviews Whiskys which are open for some weeks. I had several times, when I bought a bottle after ist was positively reviewed by Ralfy and my first impression after oening was: Ralfy was wrong this time! But after some weeks the dram and I found together and I had to confirm the level of Ralfy´s rating. I think, the Whisky improved on one hand and I got more used to it on the other hand.
Wow! Sounds delicious! Never thrust only one man's opinion they say. So I watched both Horst Lüning and Chris Goodrum give this whisky a great review as well. I just ordered two bottles!
Hello Ralfy. Bought a bottle after your review and I would have to agree with your sentiments. This is one of the best whiskies I've had for a long while. The balance is outstanding. Will be buying a few more when payday arrives. I just hope they can keep up this standard. It's a distillery I've not known so well, going mainly for Springbank from that region, but I can see now how Campbeltown malts were highly regarded back in the day. Great review again. If I may ask, will you be reviewing the glen garioch 12 year old as I found these two to be quite similar with the glen scotia being a bit smoother than the glen garioch?
Great value. Liked it more than the 18. Have a bottle of the 16 and it is also great. Would love to have a 21 Year Old, but afraid that would jump up in price.
Just found myself a dusty older bottling on the shelf from 2017 and another from 2021, looking forward to seeing the batch variation, if there is any, between 4 years.
I found white a bit of variation and not in a good way between 2017 and a 2021 bottling I opened at a whiskyclub. Thankfully I have 2 2017 bottles spare
This is my new go-to whisky if I need to get relatively cheap whisky with great quality and that's easy to enjoy. This is has great value with a lot to offer on the nose and taste!
Ralfy. Young lad from Kilmarnock here. Love your patter. Could u do one of the Victoriana? Bought a bottle after falling in love with the 15 and i’m not a fan. Need your guidance. 😁
Yeah, we tried to get a tour in Glen Scotia (early Oct 2016). We were told that the person that does the tours is outside Campbeltown, and there is no tour, therefore. What a shame on them! What a strange approach...
Ralfy the people have heard- my fav online retailer says they are restocking after a sudden interest in this dram. Glad the garish colours and highland cows are gone but if you still miss them there are bottles of the old 21 out there (another ralfy recommendation)
Such a wonderful dram. I am glad it's still consistent, widely available and affordable in 2021.
not in us
it’s honestly kind of amazing how accessible and affordable this is considering it’s a 15 y/o campbeltown malt. where i am (los angeles) it’s available in nearly every major chain liquor store and even cheaper than the nas longrow
@@EthanReviews123 it’s here now
Thanks yea I got some but not quite as good as I'd hoped for.
chose the Blandoch 11 (really nice) over this tonight.....this sounds like a beautiful dram....next time!
While watching this for the first time (August 7, 2020) I remembered a Glen Scotia tucked away. I just opened it, poured a bit and added some water and capped the glass. Let it be for 20 minutes and was amazed by the aroma. It is a Rum cask finished, distilled in 2003, and bottled at cask strength (51.3 ADV) for the Campelltown Malts Festival of 2019. Wonderful taste.
Love the passion , I’m on a journey and you’re helping massively
I've just visited Glen Scotia Distillery a few days ago and it was a fantastic tour. Just very passionate people making it.
They mentioned that the very best casks come from the top of the warehouse where it's hot and the sun hits the casks from the skylights. They have angels share like any other warehouse but the heat also makes the casks lose water and so the alcoholic strength stays fairly high and they get a super concentrated liquid. I thought that was an interesting tidbit anyway. They're also experimenting with casks that were converted by their Loch Lomond cooperage to store upright. Mostly for space reasons but it'd be interesting to see how it turns out.
spankmeister That's fascinating! They use a tall warehouse instead of dunnage? That would explain the flavour. It's very concentrated Bourbon on the nose and the tongue. The heat would contribute to that. But for real... They have skylights in a whisky warehouse? That's unconventional for Scotch.
OMG, and with out any exaggeration, you nailed this one Ralfy. I had the great pleasure in sharing this dram whilst you strolled through all the notes, and nothing missed. It is indeed a hidden gem, just dont tell too many people.
Just opened a miniature of this, not sure if it's the same batch, but it has the same label (not the new one they introduced about 2022). Absolutely superb, complex, rich, and every whiff and sip surprises me over and over again. I am an old Campbeltown lover since having bought a Springbank "Local Barley" in 1993.
The most surprising thing was the distinct note of parsley(!) on my third nosing which stayed long in the foreground, even after adding a few drops of water. When it went, there was something I would compare to German yeast pastry with poppy seeds. I love this so much!
My most enjoyable single malt discovery this year!
One of your best reviews, Ralfy. You can tell when a whisky truly makes an impression.
My God Ralfy, I’m an agnostic but in this case I have to reference God. It is everything you said it was, in a few words quite an experience. Thank you for recommending this fine “invisible” single malt, what a treat. I was fortunate to find a bottle in a local shop and snatched it right up. I am indebted to you malt mate of the Isle of Man, you are indeed a true spirit anorak. I also tried the Barbancourt 15 year old rhum, what a blessing that was to taste. Thank you again good man of Man, what pleasure it is to draw breath and walk the earth and taste things such as these man and nature has made!
Glen Scotia 15 and Barbancourt 15 are favorites of mine as well. I hope GS 15 stays under the radar and affordable as a daily drinker. Spending a week in Haiti next month and will bring back a couple bottles of that fine rhum...
Dear Ralfy, After watching this review I hunted down a bottle of this Glen Scotia 15 and have a dram in front of me while I type. Thank you for this thorough interpretation. I have left mine sit for a good 15 minutes with a drop of water and was surprised by the toffee and honey notes with spice. What a revelation for me this is!!! Thank you again!!!!
I was just there on Monday and received a personal tour from the distillery manager. The 15 is 99% first fill bourbon with a short finish in sherry. I got my first bottle in US about 9-10 months ago so it has been out for a while. Nice review and I concur.
Is it still the same or is there more refil now?
I bought this 'cause of your review and OMG what a whisky. Such rich, elegant and tasteful dram. Absolutely delicious. It deserves the 92/100. A must have! Greetings from Brazil!
Nice to see a fellow brazillian here. Nowadays I just buy a bottle after watching a Ralfy review.
Must be time for a re review on this one Ralfy!
Agreed! I can find this here in Oregon...yay!!!
Agreed, appears to be rebranded again. Last bottle bought last week looked like Ralfy's but today same store different bottle, "Rich and Smooth" on label not a good sign, says non chill filtered. At least the price hasn't changed $72.00 US
Bought a sample pack 15y, Victoriana, and Double cask which is the cheapest, and also in my opinion the best! Go figure.
Hope it's still most of this quality. Just ordered my first bottle.
Great review Ralfy! I'm very glad I picked up a bottle of this now. Looking forward to sharing it with like minded friends.
A great score, as much as I love my heavily peated drams I'm going to purchase this, always good to explore for more! 🥃🥃
Thanks Ralfy. Bought this whisky because of your review and have to say, it's real gem.
First pour: what is Ralfy talking about? That's underwhelming. In the low 80s.
Second pour weeks later: wow. THAT'S what Ralfy is talking about. I fully agree. 92.
Patience. As always.
Hi Ralfy
I watched your video on the gs 15year old whiskey and I enjoyed it, and your 92 rating 👍 I liked it so much, I drove 125 miles round trip to my favorite liquor store to buy a bottle of it, and I picked up a bottle of the Gs victoriana also, I'm having a shot of the 15year now and I'm doing a neck pour, and it's not great yet but it needs time in the glass, I can tell this is going to be a very good whiskey, thank you ralfy for your knowledge about whiskey, you are very entertaining to watch and I don't buy any whiskey until I watch your reviews, you haven't been wrong about it yet, now I must look for a review of the glen Scotia victoriana, I'm almost sure you have done one so I will search it out, cheers sir and keep it quality !!!
This one checks so many boxes. Such a long and evolving experience. It's a thinker! Please take your time with this one!
Thank you, Ralfy, for your lusty review of this malt. I found three dusty bottles at a liquor store near me and purchased one. After seeing your review, and a few tastings--and noting the 2018 bottling date--I returned and purchased the last two after verifying the same 2018 date. Though still somewhat of a whisky novice, I can see why you scored it as you did--a delicious, complex dram that punches above its weight. Thank you again for your reviews--both current and archival!
I am so very happy they bottled this at 46% and not lower. It is full of flavour and wonderful sweet, oily, saltiness
This has been on my list for a while, I watched this review a long time ago just didn't buy it yet. Until today! Cracking this open shortly when I have some time with no distractions.
So, how was it?
@@Chokkan worthy of the malt mark!
It is truly unique in that it is the only malt where I have lots of pine trees in the smell. Been to Greece recently and the place smelled like this whisky. Marvellous stuff!
Just tried this one Ralfy based on your review. It's awesome! The best Glen Scotia I've tasted. Love your work mate, I'll be getting a second bottle I think. Slainte mhath!
Well Ralfy. I bought a bottle after your review. And after 2/3 of the bottle, I most say: You're right. This is an excellent malt. Thank you for the hint. Fabrizio
Memorable is a great way to describe it. I had a sample a few days ago and have been thinking back to it a lot (which I don’t typically do with scotch). Definitely a sign that I need to grab a bottle!
Bought Glen Scotia at about the time of this video. Bought the double cask first, then went back for the 15 year old. The double cask was middling. LOVED the 15 year old. It was a consensus opinion of mine and friends invited to share it. We were surprised since we hadn't heard of Glen Scotia and our favorite bottle shop only had it from a special request of another customer. Anyway, I just viewed your review and was so pleased that you loved it too. Really motivated me to find another bottle. I had to travel, but found the last bottle in the area last night. Happily placed in my Scotch closet and saving for a special occasion. Just hope this recent batch is as I remembered the first one from 3 years ago. Cheers and keep up the great videos! We love them!
So how was the latest batch as good as 3 years ago?
I'll be sure to come back and let you know. Still unopened. Have too many open bottles and am waiting to thin that inventory down a bit. I will share another opinion though. Just picked up a 12 yr. Old Glenallachie and the 10 year old cask strength. Opened the 12 and love it! Tough to find in St. Louis but my go to shop just got the 10, 12, 15 and 18 year old. Highly reccommend the 12.
@@philmcqueen4659 Cheers I appreciate the answer and look forward to hearing your thoughts whenever you crack it open. Glenallachie 12 is great and so is the 10 Cask Strenght. Enjoy!
I know this video is 4 years old but just had this whiskey last night and wow! It’s my new favorite!
Just tried this. Agree with the review 100%. Amazing dram and a new favorite. Thick mouth feel reminds me of proper port.
Just bought 2 bottles based on this, opened one, bought another and stuck that one in storage. Wonderful and quite unique whisky.
It's nice to see you so enthusiastic. Will buy one following your advice.
Ralfy. I was able to get the only bottle available in Western Massachusetts. You are right my friend. This is an "hors de categorie" whisky: refined, complex, and unique in ways I can't describe.
Thanks for your insight. Is money well spent.
I just purchased this one today at 84 USD. It is actually one of my favorites. No red lettering but still non chill filtered. Doesn't say natural color. It's so tasty.
I can get it for $40usd...
It has coloring.
Thanks, Ralfy. You are the sole reason I sought out and bought this bottle. It was really worth it.
Just bought this in NJ where it was on the shelf for $55. Poured it and let it breathe for an hour in a glencairn. Have to say this this stuff is fantastic. Thx for the review and recommendation!!
I also had to buy another bottle, just opened one, the second one is going to be stashed. I liked the smell of freshly poured dram, it was full of pleasant camphor and eucalyptus, when it settled, the orange game started. It's definitely one of the most interesting whiskies I have ever tasted.
Ralfy you were spot on with the nose... It smells like Bourbon, plain and simple. I have never, ever encountered a Scotch that smells like this. It smells just like my old standby W.L. Weller, or even George Dickel Tennessee Whisky. It freaked me out to smell that smell just now. It was as you put it: startling. I am no cask master but this says first fill wet casks to me all day long. That smell is just unreal coming from a Scotch. The color is a bit dark, but if these were "alligator" charred wet bourbon casks the color could be genuine.
true
Spot on ralfy, especially with the spice at the end with water added. Very rich! Very happy with my purchase
Your right, I absolutely don't mind slight changes in flavour profile if the quality is maintained high.
Just purchased this here in the SF Bay area. Cost $90 after tax. Worth every penny. I've never had a whisky with the structure of this one before; really something unique. Thanks for the advice! I am also tempted to buy a second bottle for the future.
It's interesting to think about batch variation. Sometimes, first batches are indeed better than subsequent batches. But even if a subsequent batch isn't worse, per se, it will never be the same as the one before it. The next batch of Glen Scotia 15 could be technically just as good, but not quite the same. So, if we encounter a batch of a whisky we like, it's definitely wise to buy multiple bottles!
Hi Ralfy, I have noticed that Glen Scotia has gone through another packaging makeover from their successful run last year. I think a Re-review on the Glen Scotia 15 would be in order to see if they have maintained the intrinsic quality from when you last reviewed this. I hope I have tempted you with this marvelous proposition!
Bingo!! Had a feeling it was this one you were going to review. Reassuring to hear that your view of it is similar to mine from my previous comment in that it has that rich, dense and lively (lots going on, in my speak) vibe to it. Been seeking a malt that has that balance of richness and smoke undertones and so far I think this hits the spot from what I have tried so far. Just wished you didnt rate it so highly ..... I hope it doesnt go out of stock soon!
Got a bottle last December. Really liked it.
Think you have let the cat out the bag Ralfy. Best I see if I can get a few more before the herd rushes in to get it all.
These guys have a tough neighbourhood to get ahead in. Good luck to them.
Despite being a totally different spirit, this reminds me of what Woodford Reserve was like about 15 years ago. Woodford was never small batch as such, but it was certainly different early on. They use Forsythe pot stills I believe, and their whiskey used to be very delicate, sweet, rich in flavor and just... very much like this Glen Scotia 15. I'd love to compare this to a bottle of that old Woodford, but alas, I didn't see the Boom coming back in those early days.
Awesome review Ralfy! I just picked up a bottle of this at the FedEx store that I had shipped from your beautiful country. I am literally salivating in my truck on my way home listening to your notes🙂. I will let you know how it goes!
You just put this distillery on the map, at least for us folks in the US. I'll grab a couple of bottles now. Thanks Ralfy!
I would love a rereview of this. It's been three years and it would be great, considering the subject of your monologue
Totally agree with you, its a great malt and I really like these bold flavour whiskys.
The double cask version is also a good one,even though it is a nas whisky. But under 40,- its good quality and they use good casks.
You hit the nail on the head with this one. This is such a spot on review.
Hey Ralfy, just got a bottle of GS 15 today (nov 18, 2023) in Canada because the back in 2021 this such a great single malt. Unfortunately it no longer deserves a 93 malt mark. I wouldn't give it more than a 72 at best. How the mighty have fallen!
I'm just trying it tonight, and it is a really good dram. Thank you ralphy
Sounds great I'll look for it at the local whisky shop here in New Zealand. Thanks for another majestically mesmerizing moment
Just bought a bottle of Glen Scotia 15yo. Was only £45 from Amazon. I'm impressed with the first glass.
Purchased a very reasonably priced (rare these days!) bottle of this recently and opened tonight. Wow! This is one of the most interesting and enjoyable drams I’ve ever had. I had to drive to an adjacent state to get it and I’ll be making that trip again soon.
Managed to get my hands on a bottle of this for £41 last year. It's one that is at the back of my cupboard to be enjoyed at a later date (along with my Hakushu 12, and a bottle of Aldi's Mortlach from a few years back - the Glen Marnoch 28)
Thanks Rafy,
I managed to get myself a bottle and it did not disappoint. As with all your reviews always on point and a great resource to see if a bottle is worth all the hype or not.
Thanks.🥃
Blow me down... the first drop neat is like the only imaginable successful hybrid of Bourbon and Scotch I can imagine. The spirit, despite being Campbeltown is so fine and almost delicate that the bourbon casks have settled over it like a warm overcoat. This is something different and fascinating.
So glad you like this.
You comment upon the singular smell and taste. It reminds me more of an Irish whiskey than a Scotch. In my opinion there is a similarity with Redbreast and even more with Power's John's Lane Release.
I couldn't help myself after this review. I went out and got two bottles.
So did I LOL! 🙌
Wow Ralfy! You rated north of 90. Must be awesome.
Another fantastic review, Ralfy. I've just bought the Glen Scotia Campbeltown Festival bottling for 2020, think I may just purchase this one too! Lovely stuff, cheers!
I also found the Glen Scotia Campbeltown Festival bottling! I was shocked to see a bottle on the shelf in St Louis Missouri, so grabbed it. I haven't opened it yet. Interested in your opinion if you're willing to share.
Is that the 12 year old one?
@JW Campbeltown 2020 Festival, 14 year old, tawny port finish, pleated.
Ordered a bottle of this lovely stuff and can't wait to try it out. Thanks, Ralfy!
I agree with everything said here. I did find it to have considerable bitterness, in a vegetable and mineral manner - similar in character to what Springbank has in the background, but to a much more intense degree. It had a strong tree resin or bitter greens (bar bitters, etc.) thing going on - not sure if that is what he meant by resinous, but I found it a dominant note.
Glen Scotia has always had that, but not to the same degree. And I did like the previous 16 and 21 expressions perhaps better than the new stuff. It had more sherry, but less burnt sugar. But it was so rarely seen in the States it is hard to remember it - except for the horrible brightly colored highland cattle on the tins.
But anyway, my tasting group and I liked this better than the Double Cask expression. And the Victoriana expression for that matter.
But I came to like the Victoriana a lot more after I got really into the bottle. However it is much more expensive. So I am hoping "Sir" Ralphy of the golden malt will take on Glen Scotia Victoriana soon.
Thank you very much for a great tip. Great whisky, can only be recommended. It is also available in the Czech Republic and at a reasonable price (1200 CZK / 41 GBP).
This popped up again as a suggestion. I bought a bottle of this after this review. After trying bought another two. It's wonderful stuff. Gracias, Ralfy.
Tried the full range at a recent tasting in Glasgow. ......the 16 year old for travel retail was the standout for me......all good stuff Ralfy. The new 25 year old is super smooth but not as complex as this 15 or the 16 year old. A very different experience as you've said to most other malts on the market and not for the inexperienced whisky drinker who IMHO. ...will not appreciate Glen Scotia for its malts. Keep up the good work Ralf....slainte
Your Explanation is really good as I was seeking to be more intuitive towards Glen Scotia 15 year old. It's so valuable information... I find it as an extremely good-looking bottle like Glenfiddich 18 bottle including cover.Thank you.
I've found this finally around here, surprising price for a 15yo @ 46%, 85$ Canadian!
I'm going to pick up a bottle right now!
Just bought a bottle at total wine for $75
Poured a glass with a drop of water and I’m about to take a sip. Thanks for the review Ralphy! Cheers!
. . . good luck with the event !
Great recommendation Ralfy! One of my favorite drams.
Bought a bottle of Glen Scotia - Campbelton Harbour last week, in Waitrose, Stirling. Drinkable.
Some kind of anis, light salmiak note in my bottle. Toffe, citrus, something in it reminds me of the superb glenlivet 18. Wonderful dram indeed.
Hi Ralfy - really enjoyed the review. Wondering if the current batches are of the same quality? I have recently bought a glen scotia 18 and would like to also buy the 15 to drink side by side. Thanks 🙏
Will be buying, thanks! This video is very humorous to watch in conjunction with Ralfy Review 476, the 21YO Glen Scotia. I just watched that one after missing it when it first came out, so this review was a pleasant surprise. #476 is one of your funniest reviews too. The bottle art has something to do with that, I think.
Color seems to be added, according to the German reviewers, they need to declare it in Germany.
Here Scandinavia it only says "Non chill filtered"
But, it is really really nice whisky this!
Just purchased a bottle based on your review. Fantastic taste, fantastic price.
Hi ralfy
It's far and in between that you give a 92 points for a bottle, but it is well worth the money, and I wish you would do a review of the glen Scotia victoriana ,it's a nas, but is well worth it, it's one of my favorite scotch whiskeys, there are some whiskey that is just worth the money and this is one !!!
Just bought 2 of this, found them for a bargain price. Amazing whisky.
Dear Ralfy,
thanks for the insights you provide and the outstanding work over the years!
After the sobering reviews lately I’m looking for a treat and wonder if Glen scotia 15 yo still is as good as it was when reviewed. Would love to hear your thoughts on this on after 4 years, especially as it matches the actual consistency / batch variation theme.
Best wishes from Germany
Frank
i cant speak to its quality now in regards to how it used to be, but i can tell you that i purchased a bottle a couple of weeks ago and ive been extremely impressed with it
Here is a little update from me, I purchased a bottle and I shave to say that this is really an impressive dram! Maybe not a 92, but up there.
BTW, IMHO the 8 yo 2022 Campbeltown Festival Edition is even superior to this one.
Cheers
Thanks for this Ralfy. I tried it and bought it. I think in the sample I tried there was more oxygenation as the bourbon/sherry arrival was compartmentalized from the touch of smoke on the finish the freshly opened bottle is less clearly divided but just as nice as the first try. Definitely a winner. I hope to see you reviewing more Irish in the future - Redbreast 12 Cask strength and perhaps Green Spot Château Léoville Barton.
The nose very complex nose dominance of dark ripe orange, I bought it cause of price and with no reviews. The arrival beautiful, truly a singular malt flavour full.
Hi Ralfy left a comment a few days ago after a disappointing tasting of a GS 15 purchased in Nov 2023. Now it's still not what I remembered 3 years ago but not as bad as I said. Does whisky improve a bit after opening the bottle for a couple of weeks? Anyway love your show. Keep up the great work. 👍🏻
This is definetly the case! This is why Ralfy alway reviews Whiskys which are open for some weeks. I had several times, when I bought a bottle after ist was positively reviewed by Ralfy and my first impression after oening was: Ralfy was wrong this time! But after some weeks the dram and I found together and I had to confirm the level of Ralfy´s rating.
I think, the Whisky improved on one hand and I got more used to it on the other hand.
If you can at some point, I would love to hear a review of the Double Cask. I find it very pleasurable despite the quite young age.
I bought one after your video. Can't wait to try. Thanks, Ralfy!
Wow! Sounds delicious! Never thrust only one man's opinion they say. So I watched both Horst Lüning and Chris Goodrum give this whisky a great review as well. I just ordered two bottles!
loving this...just got one for 59.00 us dollars.
I've only had an independent bottling single cask glen Scotia and it was a lovely drop. I'll definitely seek this out
Hello Ralfy. Bought a bottle after your review and I would have to agree with your sentiments. This is one of the best whiskies I've had for a long while. The balance is outstanding. Will be buying a few more when payday arrives. I just hope they can keep up this standard. It's a distillery I've not known so well, going mainly for Springbank from that region, but I can see now how Campbeltown malts were highly regarded back in the day. Great review again. If I may ask, will you be reviewing the glen garioch 12 year old as I found these two to be quite similar with the glen scotia being a bit smoother than the glen garioch?
Great value. Liked it more than the 18. Have a bottle of the 16 and it is also great. Would love to have a 21 Year Old, but afraid that would jump up in price.
Just found myself a dusty older bottling on the shelf from 2017 and another from 2021, looking forward to seeing the batch variation, if there is any, between 4 years.
Hi Eric, was there much variation. Hope you enjoyed,
I found white a bit of variation and not in a good way between 2017 and a 2021 bottling I opened at a whiskyclub. Thankfully I have 2 2017 bottles spare
This is my new go-to whisky if I need to get relatively cheap whisky with great quality and that's easy to enjoy. This is has great value with a lot to offer on the nose and taste!
Awsome review, Ralfy! Thanks for the education...I wish you many more happy malt moments:) Cheers!
Ralfy. Young lad from Kilmarnock here. Love your patter. Could u do one of the Victoriana? Bought a bottle after falling in love with the 15 and i’m not a fan. Need your guidance. 😁
. . . stick to the 15. Just leve the Vic for next year then go back to it and see how you both have changed. Good luck.
Yeah, we tried to get a tour in Glen Scotia (early Oct 2016). We were told that the person that does the tours is outside Campbeltown, and there is no tour, therefore. What a shame on them! What a strange approach...
A most elegant dram.
Ralfy the people have heard- my fav online retailer says they are restocking after a sudden interest in this dram. Glad the garish colours and highland cows are gone but if you still miss them there are bottles of the old 21 out there (another ralfy recommendation)
Being an artificially colored ( e150 )
whisky I'm surprised by the high mark .
I'm also surprised by Ralfys omission of that fact.
Another one ralphy on it's way with your recommendation, really looking forward to this one.👍