The Glen Scotia 'The Mermaid' 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the first release in Glen Scotia's 'Icons of Campbeltown' series, launched in 2023. This limited edition celebrates the spirit of the Campbeltown community, drawing inspiration from a historical mermaid carving at the Campbeltown Market Cross.
This unpeated 12-year-old single malt was initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels and then finished for approximately eight months in Palo Cortado sherry casks. It is bottled at a cask strength of 54.1% ABV, is non-chill filtered, and has a natural color.
Tasting Notes:
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Nose: The aroma is described as rich and mellow, with maritime notes like salt crystals, boat varnish, and edible seaweed. Beneath these are thick fruity notes reminiscent of tarte tatin and Seville orange marmalade, developing into tablet toffee.
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Palate: The texture is creamy, with a lightly sweet center and a pinch of salt in the mid-palate.
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Finish: Long and warming at cask strength, with a savory aftertaste. Adding a little water can introduce a spicy note to the finish. Some reviews also mention notes of gingerbread, cardamom, citrus oils, toasted hazelnuts, salted caramel, walnut, and polished oak.
Awards: While specific awards for the Glen Scotia 'The Mermaid' 12 Year Old are still emerging as it's a relatively recent release, Glen Scotia as a distillery and its other expressions have received significant recognition. For example, Glen Scotia won a Gold Medal at the USA Spirits Ratings 2024 for a non-vintage release, which may include this expression. Keep an eye on future whisky competition results for more specific accolades for 'The Mermaid'.
Overall Impression: Glen Scotia 'The Mermaid' 12 Year Old appears to be a unique and intriguing release that combines the distillery's signature maritime character with the nutty and slightly dry influence of Palo Cortado sherry cask finishing. It's presented as a complex and flavorful dram that offers a distinct taste of Campbeltown's whisky heritage. The cask strength bottling and natural presentation will likely appeal to enthusiasts looking for an authentic and characterful single malt. The limited edition nature and the artistic packaging by Joel Holtzman also add to its collectibility.
