Glenkinchie
Glenkinchie 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 750ml
Winning gold at both the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2010 and the Scotch Whisky Masters in 2011, Glenkinchie is celebrated as a light and delicate whisky, ideal for the sophisticated connoisseur who enjoys a pre-dinner drink. It’s light character is born from its distillation in some of Scotland’s largest stills; matured for 12 years, the result is a light, floral whisky with a fresh, creamy taste. Glenkinchie is perfect as an aperitif Single Malt or at the start of a meal due to its fragrant, light and appetising body and taste. The letters GK in gold emphasise the malt's good provenance and high stature.
Serving Suggestion: Glenkinchie 12 is fantastic with fish! The character of Glenkinchie – light, slightly dry, smoky with spice – makes it good with raw and spicy fish. Sashimi and sushi, scallops in bacon, tempura prawns. It’s just perfect, too, with a simple madeleine or Parmigiano Reggiano.
"Very pretty on the nose. Violets, sweet grain and orange. Lovely and sweet, slightly syrupy."
Ed Bates 2014, Whisky Magazine, Issue 118, p.106
"Like Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie starts life as a (deliberately) sulfury new make, but this character falls away in time to reveal delicacy. As a 10 year old, that sulfur could still be hanging around — one reason for the switch to a 12 year age statement. The improvement is noticeable. Here are gently lifted floral notes, hints of dry grass, and crisp pear. The feel is gentle and slow in the center, while vanilla creeps into the finish. Not complex, but very pleasant."
Dave Broom, The Whisky Advocate Summer 2012
"A decent dram showing the Lowlanders need not lack substance."
Rob Allanson 2009, Whisky Magazine, Issue 79
"The nose is fresh and floral, with spices and citrus fruits, plus a hint of marshmallow. Notably elegant. Water releases cut grass and lemon notes. Medium-bodied, smooth, sweet and fruity, with malt, butter and cheesecake. The finish is comparatively long and drying, initially rather herbal."
Gavin D Smith, Malt Whisky Yearbook 2015, p.125
"The nose is light and flowery, with wet meadow notes and cucumber, the palate is pure barley with a touch of star anise spice and an earthy note."
Dominic Roskrow, Malt Whisky Yearbook 2015, p.125
International Spirits Challenge
Bronze
2008
International Spirits Challenge
Silver
2009 - 2010
International Wine & Spirit Competition
Silver (Best in Class)
2008 - 2009
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Silver
2009
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Gold
2008
San Francisco World Spirits Competition
Double Gold
2016
World Whiskies Awards
Best Lowlands Single Malt
2014
The Scotch Whisky Masters
Gold
2010 & 2014
Appearance
Bright gold.
Body
Light, smooth.
Nose
Very aromatic and flowery overall, like breathing in a country garden. Noticeable vanilla, cut flowers (daffodil, blossom and hints of lily) and beneath these, a clean, toasty note. Becomes increasingly sweet and creamy, with a lightly aromatic edge and fresh citrus, which all brings to mind lemon cheesecake. Water makes it still more creamy and scented.
Palate
A sweet soft start, like crême anglaise, soon becoming flowery again. A really smooth delivery, especially after adding a drop of water. The mid-palate is crisp and then the flavour settles into a tightly focused bundle of butter icing, lemon cheesecake and freesias.
Finish
Herbal and drying, a little like potpourri.