by 
Glengoyne The Legacy Series Chapter One Single Malt. Highlands, Scotland. ABV: 48%. Tasted at Whisky a Day HQ, $95 (bottle).
Colour: Dusty brass.
Nose: Well worn leather and soft oak
Palate: The front half of the tongue is standing closer to the flavour heater on this one – it gets all the love. Dried muscatels, raisins and red wine tannins. Dusty dark chocolate bitterness.
Finish: A drying, slightly salty and metallic finish, like you’ve just tasted blood on your lips. Like you’ve accidentally copped an elbow in the mouth from some noble pursuit like fighting your way to the front of a packed whisky bar in those glorious pre-social distancing days.
Comments: Matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks, at 48% ABV it’s got a little more oomph than other Glengoyne releases. I’m a fan of higher ABV whiskies and love Glengoyne, but in this case for me the balance isn’t quite right.
For me Glengoyne The Legacy Chapter One is lacking a little bit of oily mouthfeel, creaminess and juicy dried fruit notes, whilst also losing some of the fresher fruity and vanilla flavours that other Glengoynes are known for. It’s like what I imagine a higher ABV version of the GlenDronach 12 year old might taste like – dry sherry notes and some heat, but not quite the lush juiciness of your nan’s Christmas cake.