Whisky Advocate Blog

This just came in. Press release is below. I asked for an image. When I get it, I’ll insert it.

Hmm, didn’t they already have a 12 year old cask-strength version? Yes indeed, because I still have part of a bottle.

UPDATED: Here’s what my contact had to say about the cask strength version, and the new version:

There was indeed a Cask Strength 12 Years Old, originally launched in 2004. 

Just to confirm a few details:

The Glengoyne Cask Strength 12 year old still is available. For your information, we are shortly to launch a 12 YO Cask Strength 1 litre version later this month which will be available through travel retail outlets worldwide only.

The new 12 year old a 43% ABV is a completely new vatting, introducing some first fill bourbon barrels that aren’t used in any other Glengoyne expression.  The sherry percentage also differs. 

All of the Glengoyne core range is specially selected refill American Oak and European oak casks.  A healthy percentage of first fill sherry casks are used allowing us to bottle at natural colour, as with all Glengoyne products, and first fill Hogsheads make up a significant percentage of this vatting, adding different elements of flavour in comparison to other Glengoyne products.

And here’s the information directly from my press release:

Dumgoyne, 1 October 2009: Glengoyne Distillery is launching an exciting new edition to its acclaimed core range: Glengoyne 12 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

Like all of Glengoyne’s Single Malts, the 12 Years Old is distilled from air-dried barley, untainted by harsh peat smoke, capturing the authentic ‘Real Taste of Malt’. At 43% strength, with a natural, golden colour, the 12 Years Old has scents of coconut oil, lemon zest, honey and dried malt. With a warming mouthfeel, its initial palate is of toffee apples and cinnamon spice, while a touch of water brings out ginger, fresh orange and shortbread.  The balanced finish is further mellowed by hints of sherry and soft oak.

Developed by agency, Ron Burnett Design, the bottle and tube presentation perfectly aligns the 12 Years Old within the existing Glengoyne 10, 17 and 21 Years Old core range. The metallic gold/copper coloured tube mirrors the rich colour of the malt within, while tasting notes and details on Glengoyne’s tradition, craftsmanship and whisky making process, bring the Single Malt to life. 

Available to domestic and international markets, Ian Macleod Distillers, brand owners of Glengoyne, plan to export the 12 Years Old Single Malt to over 60 markets worldwide and predict it will rapidly become a top best seller with specialists, second only to the Glengoyne 10 Years Old in overall sales volumes.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, commented: “The 12 Years Old is a very welcome addition to the Glengoyne core range.  The decision to introduce the 12 Years Old is an integral part of our ongoing successful marketing and sales strategy to continue to grow and develop the Glengoyne brand. It is also in response to international demand, particularly from Western Europe, where our customers are looking for a high quality, intermediate step between the Glengoyne 10 and 17 Year Olds.” 

Glengoyne 12 Years Old will be available from October to UK and international markets RRP £33.99 ($56.00 €39.50).

For further information on UK distribution contact: Harvey Miller Wine & Spirit Agencies www.hmwsa.com08445 611 252. For international distribution contact Ian Macleod Distillers www.ianmacleod.com