Single Malt whisky

Glengoyne 17 year old Single Malt Whisky


Today I look at the Glengoyne 17 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Situated on the A81 in Scotland, next to a beautiful wooded area, the Glengoyne distillery sits at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill near Loch Lomond.

The distillery was started in 1833 and was known as the Burnfoot Distillery. It changed owners and names a few times; However, it has been one of the longest continuously run distilleries in Scotland.

It is located right on the line that divides the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. Glengoyne’s stills are in the Highlands while the filled casks of whisky mature across the road in the Lowlands.

It also sits on the popular West Highland Way, a long-distance footpath. The path is a 150km long trail, from Milngavie north of Glasgow to Fort William in the Highlands.

Although Glengoyne is a Highland whisky, the whisky characteristics are closer to the Lowland drams. The water and the malt are unpeated. Glengoyne does not use peat smoke to dry their barley but instead uses warm air.



Glengoyne claim to have the slowest distillation rate, and according to the distillery, this creates a softer, smoother taste. In April 2003, Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd. acquired the Glengoyne Distillery from the Edrington Group.

Glengoyne doesn’t release the 17 year old anymore. The Glengoyne 17 year old whisky has a higher portion of 1st fill Sherry casks compared to their other releases. I loved the Glengoyne 21 year old, and it was my Single Malt of the  Year 2014. Hopefully, this release will live up to my high expectations.

Related Article: Glenfiddich Age Of Discovery whisky

Glengoyne 17 year old Single Malt Whisky Review


REGION: Highland

ABV:  43%<

COLOUR: A rich dark reddish copper

NOSE: Initially the nose has notes of  fruitiness and sherry. Then some spicy oak bits mixed with vanilla and nougat come through. The nose is rich but gentle.

PALATE: Compared to the nose, the palate on the Glengoyne 17 year old whisky is bold and robust. The palate is full of ripe fruit, sweet juicy pears, figs, condensed milk sweetness balanced with oak spiciness and malty goodness. The addition of water seems to bring out much more wood and dried citrus. I prefer it, however, without water.

FINISH: Long and lingering and stays for a long time. It ends in spicy wood notes.

RATING: EXCELLENT

It is sad that this Glengoyne 17 year old single malt Scotch whisky has been discontinued. This dram is a wonderful warming whisky, perfect for winter. It is not as great as the 21 year old whisky, but certainly good enough to call for a second glass. What did you think of this release?

Also Read: Tamdhu Batch 001 Whisky


Jeannette Wentzel

Recent Posts

Noble Rebel Orchard Outburst Whisky

During my visit to the Loch Lomond distillery in August, I had the opportunity to…

2 weeks ago

Whyte and Mackay Triple Matured Blended Whisky

One of the more affordable whiskies here in Mauritius is the Whyte and Mackay Triple…

3 weeks ago

Remy Martin XO Cognac

Let's change things up. This past weekend, we celebrated a special memory by opening some…

1 month ago

Review of the Loch Lomond Steam and Fire Whisky

Continuing with my notes from the Loch Lomond distillery visit, I'm diving into the Loch…

1 month ago

Chivas Regal 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky

Chivas Regal 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old whisky: a battle of two iconic drams.…

2 months ago

Review of the Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla Edition Whisky

My husband John is a frequent traveller. Recently, he brought home the Ardbeg Smoketrails Manzanilla…

2 months ago

This website uses cookies.