Introduction
I recently had the chance to taste the 8-year-old lightly peated single malt from Glasgow 1770, fully matured in ex-bourbon casks. I’d been curious about how a Lowland distillery like The Glasgow Distillery would handle peated malt – especially with a relatively straightforward cask treatment like bourbon. I went in expecting something gentle, maybe even shy on the smoke, but I found more texture and depth than I anticipated.
Nose
The nose came across as clean and inviting right from the pour. I picked up soft citrus first—lemon zest and a faint note of green apple. Underneath that, there was a very light, dry smoke—reminiscent more of burnt twigs than maritime peat. It carried a slight floral edge too, like dried heather. With a bit of time, vanilla and toasted oak showed up, clearly from the bourbon casks, giving the whole thing an easygoing sweetness without ever becoming too rich. It's not overly complex, but it invites you in.
Palate
On the tongue, the peat presented itself in a more structured way than I expected based on the nose. At first sip, there’s a nice rush of orchard fruit—apple again, but riper now, alongside maybe a bit of underripe pear. Then the smoke starts to open up: it’s more mineral than earthy, which surprised me. It reminded me of charcoal more than damp leaves. The bourbon wood contributes straightforward notes—vanilla, light caramel, and a gentle coconut edge—but the wood never overwhelms. Mouthfeel is just slightly oily and balanced, with a peppery warmth building in the mid-palate. It’s definitely lightly peated, but the peat feels well-integrated and not superficial.
Finish
The finish lingers longer than I expected from a younger, lighter dram. The smoke persists—not heavily, but as a soft trail. There’s still a bit of fruit sweetness, though it shifts slightly herbal towards the end. Some white pepper and oak dryness appear just before it fades, but it’s never harsh. Overall, clean and well-resolved.
Price and Value
Considering it’s an 8-year-old at a respectable ABV (typically 46%), matured in ex-bourbon barrels and lightly peated, I think the value is reasonable. It’s not trying to be dramatic; it’s solid, well-made whisky that’s easy to enjoy. If you're into more delicate peated styles and aren’t looking for big sherry or coastal impact, then this bottle finds a nice niche.
Background
The Glasgow Distillery reopened its doors in 2014, becoming the city’s first new single malt distillery in over a century. Their range includes unpeated, peated, and triple-distilled bottlings, each showcasing a different style. This particular whisky is part of a small batch series distilled in 2015, peated lightly and laid down in first-fill ex-bourbon casks for eight full years. It reflects a modern Lowland malt—not bound by tradition, but made with care and intent. You can find out more about their process at the Glasgow Distillery website.
Final Notes
Would I pick up a bottle of this again? I think so. It’s not a whisky that shouts for attention, but it’s refreshingly well-rounded. For those just starting to explore peated scotch, it offers a smooth and unintimidating introduction without sacrificing structure. I wouldn’t classify it as a "session dram," but it suits a late evening when you’re in the mood for something with texture but not overload.
How does it compare to more coastal peated whiskies? It's tamer overall—less iodine, less brine, more focus on bright fruit and a cleaner smoke profile. If you're looking for a mild, fruit-accented peat dram that still keeps some Lowland freshness, this deserves a place on your shelf.