Glen Scotia 18 Years

Overview
Glen Scotia 18 Years is a refined addition to the distillery's core age-stated single malt lineup, offering an elegant sipper from one of Campbeltown's three surviving producers. It balances subtlety with maturity, drawing from extended bourbon maturation and a sherry finish for a delicate profile distinct from bolder younger siblings.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Distilled at Glen Scotia, owned by Loch Lomond Group since the 1990s, this expression reflects the distillery's revival focus on quality core releases. It undergoes 17 years in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and refill American oak hogsheads, followed by a 12-month finish in first-fill oloroso sherry casks, resulting in a 92-proof bottling.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Almond cake, sultanas, butter pecan, oatmeal cookie, honeycomb, sea salt, and a waxy texture evoke refined bakery sweetness with maritime hints.
• Palate: Silky and airy mouthfeel carries toffee, caramel sauce, baked peaches, and pie spice; sherry influence remains subdued for an effortless elegance.
• Finish: Nougatine, cocoa, and currants emerge late, delivering moderate length with glimmers of complexity.

Notable details

• Production: Unpeated malt, non-chill filtered, matured primarily in ex-bourbon wood with oloroso finish.
• Lineage: From Glen Scotia in Campbeltown, emphasizing delicate styles amid the region's historic revival.
• Comparison: Easiest sipper in the lineup but less depth than younger expressions [1].
• Availability: Most accessible of the age-stated core range, with improved US presence post-2025.

"Easiest sipper of the younger Glen Scotias but lacks the depth of flavor of its siblings." – Drinkhacker [1]

Closing
A poised, understated Campbeltown malt for contemplative sipping, prioritizing silkiness over intensity.

Sources

[1] Drinkhacker – "Glen Scotia 18 Years Old Review"

[2] Thewhiskeywash – "Best Whiskies From Each Scotch Region for Beginners - Glen Scotia 18 Year Old"