Glenkinchie 12 Years
Glenkinchie 12 is one of only three bottlings offered by the distillery. Besides this, only the Distillers Edition and a variant of the 12-years in cask strength are available. The latter can only be purchased at the distillery itself.Glenkichie, also called the Edinburgh Malt, is produced in the immediate vicinity of the Scottish capital. The 12-years bottling is the only Lowlands representative among the Classic Malts. Some of the distillery's buildings are under the protection of historical buildings.
Tasting Notes
Nose
On the nose, the malt meets us with floral freshness. A malty sweetness goes hand in hand with the scent of freshly grated lemon peel. The aroma on the nose is completed by the scent of hay and mown grass.
Palate
On the palate, Glenkinchie 12 continues to present a strong, malty sweetness. This is joined by very appropriately slightly bitter spiciness. It distances itself somewhat from the lemon aroma of the nose. We continue to think of freshly mown Scottish greenery, complemented by notes of apples which were not quite finished ripening. The fresh sweet flavors do not overwhelm the palate.
Finish
Finally, the scotch finishes briefly and succinctly. With slightly bitter oak, in keeping with the previous flavor not obtrusively intense.
Thoughts
Marcel 68/100
A pleasantly light malt that, with its floral freshness and malty sweetness, leaves you wanting more – perfect for relaxed evenings without any fuss. The Glenkinchie 12 is like a friendly companion who charmingly wins over even newcomers without being overbearing.
Sascha 74/100
The Glenkinchie 12 impresses with a balanced interplay between malty sweetness and a subtly bitter spiciness typical of a Lowland malt. Its structure remains straightforward, with the short finish and restrained citrus notes making the character feel more light-footed than complex.
Value for Money: Good
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76/100Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Glenkinchie 12 Year old special among Lowland whiskies?
The Glenkinchie 12 Year is the only representative of the Lowland region among the Classic Malts. Its floral freshness and the combination of malty sweetness with lemon and hay notes clearly set it apart from other Lowland whiskies.
How does maturation influence the flavors of the Glenkinchie 12 Year old?
The 12-year aging in oak casks creates a balanced harmony between malty sweetness and gentle bitterness. The cask imparts subtle woody notes in the finish without overshadowing the fresh, floral aromas.
Why is Glenkinchie 12 Year often called the 'Edinburgh Malt'?
Glenkinchie is located very close to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. Because of this geographical proximity, the whisky is often referred to as the 'Edinburgh Malt,' highlighting its regional identity.