In the brisk days of early December, Sydney’s Berkelouw Bookstore metamorphosed into a scene straight out of a whisky lover’s imagination: The Whisky Library pop-up. Think of it as the lovechild of a literary retreat and a dram-filled sanctuary, where the scent of both old and new books mingled with the warm embrace of malted barley. For three days, Glengoyne Whisky brought a touch of Scotland’s idyllic glens to Paddington, offering a sensorial bridge between stories on the page and tales told in a glass.
The Slowest Stills, The Richest Tales
Glengoyne, a distillery steeped in history and perched uniquely upon Scotland's Highland Line, has been crafting its Highland single malt since 1833. Its distinction? The stills work at an unhurried pace, producing whisky that luxuriates in its journey from cask to glass. Maturing in the Lowlands while distilled in the Highlands, Glengoyne bridges contrasts with harmony—an apt metaphor for its silky, nuanced flavors.
At the center of this sensory soirée stood Glengoyne’s 12-Year-Old Single Malt, an accessible muse for whisky novices and a nostalgic companion for seasoned enthusiasts. It was a sip-sized welcome mat, draped in velvet caramel, green apple zest, and a whisper of cinnamon. If whiskies had personalities, this one would be the affable friend who makes everyone feel at home—no pretentiousness, just pure approachable charm.
The bookstore, rich with literary whispers, turned into a stage where Glengoyne acted as the protagonist. Between shelves stacked with Dickens and Tolstoy, guests discovered the poetry of whisky: smooth yet complex, timeless yet utterly modern. It was less an event and more a tête-à-tête with Scotland’s finest, minus the airfare. For the adventurous, it was a place to decode tasting notes like a Sherlock Holmes mystery; for the laid-back, a chance to pair novels with nosing.
As the golden liquid danced in glasses, the 12-Year-Old expression proved to be a masterclass in inclusivity. While its elder siblings might hold court in whisky aficionado circles, this bottle was happy to be the gateway dram. It was a whisky that didn’t whisper, “You must understand me,” but rather, “Come as you are."
The Whisky Library didn’t just pop up; it popped out—of the ordinary and into a space where books and bottles coexisted harmoniously. It left patrons with more than just memories; it offered a realization: whisky, much like literature, can be profound without being inscrutable.
The pop-up culminated a whisky masterclass hosted by Glengoyne's charismatic International Brand Ambassador, Gordon Dundas. This was not merely another mundane tasting; it’s a celebration of patience and craftsmanship—a toast to the "Joy of Slow."
Glengoyne 15-Year-Old: A Symphony of Elegance
Bottled at a balanced 43% ABV, this light amber beauty is a celebration of contrasts, where bourbon and sherry casks meet in a seamless embrace, allowing the signature light and fruity house style to take center stage.
The journey begins with an evocative bouquet that transports you to a sun-dappled meadow. The earthy sweetness of fresh hay mingles with the zesty brightness of citrus and the comforting warmth of dried fruits. Just when you think you’ve grasped it all, a delicate rosehip note wafts in, adding an ethereal floral twist. It’s a nose that doesn’t just invite you in—it wraps you in a nostalgic hug.
The first sip unveils a symphony of flavors that is as harmonious as it is complex. A gentle sweetness leads the charge, unfolding into candied lemon, tropical whispers, and the comforting warmth of cinnamon and vanilla. Imagine biting into a freshly baked apple pie, with its flaky crust and spiced filling, all while a tropical breeze teases your senses. It’s a palate that tells a story—familiar yet full of surprises.
As the dram settles, it leaves behind a dry finish that feels like a well-crafted farewell letter—thoughtful and enduring. Gentle spices play a supporting role, while lingering oak takes the spotlight, ensuring the memory of this whisky stays with you long after the last drop.
The brilliance of the 15-Year-Old lies in its craftsmanship. The cask recipe—20% first-fill bourbon, 25% first-fill sherry, and 55% refill casks—is a testament to balance and restraint. Each element brings its own character, but together they create a whisky that feels like it was meant to exist just as it is.
Glengoyne Cask Strength Batch 010
Now, if the Glengoyne 15-Year-Old is a Beethoven symphony—harmonious and measured—then Cask Strength Batch 010 is pure Led Zeppelin: bold, unapologetic, and a little wild. Bottled at a daring 59.5%, this whisky takes no prisoners, delivering an unfiltered experience as close to the cask as your glass can get.
From the first whiff, Batch 010 plays hard.
Notes of brown sugar mingle with the comforting aroma of vanilla extract, while blackcurrants add a juicy hit of fruit. Then comes the unexpected—a whisper of copper coins and yoghurt, grounding the bouquet with a touch of minerality and creaminess. Honeyed porridge and melted butter make a cameo, but just as you settle in, sesame oil sneaks in to shake things up. It's as if the dram is saying, "Don’t get too comfortable."
The initial sip is a visceral thrill, carrying the kind of oak spice that commands attention. Pepper steps into the spotlight, flanked by a spicy entourage of cloves and allspice. But just when you think it’s all about the spice, rich flavors of toffee, caramel, and bitter orange take over, adding depth and a bit of intrigue. At almost 60%, there’s an edge of untamed vigor here—like a mosh pit with an occasional waltz. A splash of water reveals maltier, nuttier notes, proving that even rockstars have a softer side.
The finish doesn’t just fade; it lingers, as any good rock anthem should. Medium to long, it offers a slightly dry farewell with oak spices, whispers of cherries, and a bittersweet flourish of walnuts. It’s a finale that leaves you tapping your glass for an encore.
Summa summarum, Glengoyne's Cask Strength Batch 010 is robust, decadent, and a little rebellious—perfect for those who crave a whisky that doesn’t play by the rules. Whether you're savoring it neat, with a splash of water, or alongside a dramatic playlist, it rewards patience and palate exploration in spades.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of AW and Glengoyne.