Wemyss Malts Merchant's Mahogany Chest 1991 Glen Scotia

Campbeltown declared itself the whisky capital of the world during the Victorian age. It once had over 30 distilleries. Nowadays only three of them remain: Glen Scotia, Springbank and Glengyle.

Wemyss Malts names every single cask after the defining flavours of the whisky. This 1991 Glen Scotia is described by the panel as 'This butt is reminiscent of a sea merchant's chest full of rich dried fruits'.

Tasting Notes

Colour: The name is self-explanatory. This sherry monster was given a deep mahogany colour.

Nose: Grapes and raisins are up front. Furniture polish and leather. And a lot of sweet sins: grappa, dates and praline. Stewed apples with sugar and a splash of coffee. With water you even get more nuts, caramel sauce and traces of a musky perfume.

Taste: Raisins and oranges. I could describe this as meaty. Almost Peking duck or Canard à l'orange (duck in orange sauce). Heavy sherry influences. With water it becomes more oily and a bit sulphury. Coffee with a dash of caramel and some overripe prunes.

Finish: Long and lingering finish with notes of dark chocolate with orange. I even discover light traces of sulphur and tobacco. A pinch of pepper and old leather.

Conclusion Oh my finger-licking goodness! This is the perfect after-dinner dram because of its heavy sherry influences. To be enjoyed in good company, or in the pleasant silence surrounding you when your dinner guests have returned home.

It costs approximately € 129 in specialist stores.

The sample was offered by Wemyss Malts for a Tweet Tasting organised by The Whisky Wire (#WemysTT3).