Introduction
I've always appreciated how Glengoyne leans into a softer side of Highland whisky, with their unpeated approach and slow distillation. The 15 Year Old is one I’d not revisited in a while, so I was curious to see how it held up after more experience under my belt. It's a step up from the 10 and 12, and I was interested to see whether that extra time in cask brought more depth without overpowering the subtleties that Glengoyne is known for.
Nose
On the nose, the first thing that stood out was a mix of cooked apples and fresh pear – pretty classic for Glengoyne. There was a touch of citrus peel underneath, perhaps orange zest. It had a clean profile, not at all heavy or overly sweet. With a few minutes in the glass, I started to notice hints of nutmeg and a faint almond note, alongside a bit of worn leather and dry oak. The influence of the sherry casks was there but in the background, politely supporting rather than dominating.
Palate
On the palate, this felt well-structured and sat nicely between light and full-bodied. The flavour opened with stewed fruits—apples again, a little plum, and a mild raisin character—but it didn’t slip into being overly rich. A nice wave of spice developed mid-palate, mainly cinnamon and a dash of clove, giving it just enough warmth. The oak contributed some gentle tannin, and there was a malt sweetness that carried everything through without ever becoming cloying.
Finish
The finish was medium in length, leaning dry rather than sweet. I picked up some fading red apple skin, a trace of toasted nuts, and just a suggestion of cocoa powder. The spice lingered a little—subtle, not sharp—and the texture finished smooth without any harsh bite. It didn’t overstay its welcome, but it left a clear impression of balance and restraint.
Price and Value
Glengoyne 15 Year Old typically falls into a mid-range price point, which feels justified considering its age and cask management. You’re getting a whisky with clear character, well-integrated flavours, and no need for flashy finishes or high proof to impress. It’s not flashy or showy, but it doesn’t need to be; the craftsmanship is evident. For me, it represents solid value for those looking for a composed, classic Highland style.
Background
Glengoyne distillery, sitting just north of Glasgow, is somewhat unusual in that it produces a Highland whisky using entirely unpeated malted barley, but matures many of its casks just over the border in the Lowlands. Their emphasis on slow distillation and natural colour is part of what sets their house style apart—typically light, clean, and orchard-fruit forward.
The 15 Year Old is a combination of first-fill sherry casks and refill bourbon barrels, which makes sense given the balanced profile. There’s no smoke, and no cask finish gimmicks—just patient aging and careful cask selection. You can learn more about the distillery at the Glengoyne official website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Yes, I think it’s a dependable whisky to have on hand—versatile enough for a quiet evening or sharing with friends who appreciate a well-made single malt. Is it suitable for those new to whisky? I’d say so; it’s approachable, smooth, and not too assertive. If you’re not into peat or high-proof whiskies, this is a safe and rewarding option.
What kind of moment suits this whisky best? I find it works well as a slow-sipper when you’re not in a rush, maybe on a cool evening with some soft conversation. As for comparisons, it holds its own nicely against other 15-year-olds from the Highlands—while it might not have the richness of some sherried Speysiders, it has finesse and a honesty that I really respect.