Glen Scotia 2024 14 Years Icons of Campbeltown - Release No. 2: The Dragon
Campbeltown is a whisky region full of character - salty, rugged, maritime and often blessed with a sparse elegance. The Glen Scotia Distillery carries on this heritage and regularly brings exceptional bottlings to the market with its Icons of Campbeltown series. The Dragon, the second edition in this series, is a 14-years single malt with a powerful 56.8% ABV that challenges both experienced whisky lovers and adventurers alike.
Tasting Notes
Nose
A mixture of strong oak and an unexpected note of boiled egg - not unpleasant, but unusual. Behind this, a nutty depth unfolds with pistachios and pecan, accompanied by an underlying dark fruitiness. Plums and a hint of lime provide an exciting balance, while white pepper adds a spicy sharpness. A fragrance that unfolds and reveals new facets with every sniff.
Palate
Bone-dry and astringent - as if you had taken a sip from an old oak barrel. The maritime flavour is unmistakable, with salty notes mingling with the short, pithy oak. Despite the strength, the alcohol is very well integrated, giving the whisky structure. The mouthfeel is intense and sophisticated - a whisky that is uncompromising and certainly not immediately appealing to everyone.
Finish
Chilli heat meets the subtle sweetness of brown sugar. But that's not all - a pebbly, stony note remains, almost as if you were breathing over a salty sea cliff.
Thoughts
Marcel 79/100
Anyone searching for a whisky with character can look forward to a rugged, maritime adventure. The Dragon challenges the palate with its dry, spicy nature and rewards patience with a complex depth – this is not a whisky to be casually sipped, but one to be savored with reverence.
Sascha 79/100
A complex and powerfully structured malt that impresses with its intense wood notes and a balanced salt-and-pepper spiciness. The high alcohol strength is harmoniously integrated, yet the pronounced dryness and astringent mouthfeel make it a demanding whisky, appealing especially to experienced connoisseurs.
Value for Money: Fair
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What makes the Campbeltown region special for whisky?
Campbeltown is known for its maritime, salty, and often rugged whisky characters. The region offers a unique combination of austere elegance and bold flavors, which are clearly reflected in whiskies like the Glen Scotia 2024 14 Years Icons of Campbeltown.
Why does the Glen Scotia The Dragon smell like boiled egg?
The boiled egg note arises from certain sulfur compounds that can be released during the maturation process in the cask. These are not unusual and can add an interesting depth and complexity to the whisky without detracting from the enjoyment.
How should one best enjoy the Glen Scotia 14 Years The Dragon to fully unfold its aromas?
Due to its high alcohol content of 56.8%, it is advisable to dilute the whisky with a few drops of water. This helps open up the aromas of oak, maritime notes, and spices, making the intense mouthfeel more approachable.