Glen Breton Rare (No Age Statement)

Did you know that Nova Scotia's Glenora Distillery is North America's first malt whisky distillery? Betcha didn't! Production began in June 1990......then stopped weeks later due to lack of funds. Oops. But they got back on track, and today have a number of expressions. Years ago I tasted their 17 year old, aged in icewine barrels, but was not fond of it (most I know were). This particular bottling (with no age statement) is not to be confused with the Glen Breton Rare 10 Year Old, which is more commonly available on LCBO and other liquor store shelves. Thanks to Richard Culver for providing me with this sample.

The colour is a soft yellow. On the nose, a fair amount of barley sugar - quite malty. Lemon meringue, cotton candy, caramel and vanilla. Quite floral. Of course, closer to a single malt scotch than your usual Canadian whisky, but there is still somehow that Canuck element to it! Unfortunately, there is a malt vinegar element that adds a rather sour note, though a drop of water improves it.

The palate is a letdown: that sour element takes over. Crabapples, sourdough and bitter herbs. Bandages are often an interesting note in many malts, but not here - almost soapy. Rather one note on the palate and not a good note at that (despite the complexity on the nose). Water is a bit of an improvement but not much.

Finish is sticky sweet and rather unpleasant, where we find a strong citrus sitting with that tart sourness. This is not a good single malt, too many off-notes and an unpleasant tartness. Too bad! For "Happy Canada Day Part VI" (and my last one in this series), I will try another Glen Breton...stay tuned...

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