Glen Scotia Mermaid review

    Whisky Review 

Glen Scotia Mermaid 12 year old

Icons of Campbeltown 

RRP: £90

ABV: 54.1%

Maturation: Finished in Palo Cortado sherry casks. 

"There is enough depth and complexity here to keep you wanting to explore further and keep revisiting this fabulous and special dram"

Nose: 

Definitive sea-salt, coastal character with a joyful addition of sweet caramelised apples. Hints of leather, crème brûlée and a touch of spice (cinnamon?).  

Taste:

A combination of sweet and salty notes battle for attention on the palate. More caramelised apples too. Maritime salinity takes over with helpings of seaweed, leather and oak, finished with a dry and wonderful typical Glen Scotia signatory wash of sea salt, smoked meats and honey. This doesnt feel like a peated whisky but the subtle spice and oak influence are providing a terrific balance to the sweetness of the palo cortado sherry. There is enough depth and complexity here to keep you wanting to explore further and keep revisiting this fabulous and special dram. 

Score: 

8/10

This release has easily won me over. It offers a unique, but not overbearing twist to the Glen Scotia maritime character. The palo cortardo finish compliments rather than dominates. A tad expensive in my opinion at £85-90 for a 12 year old, but then whisky prices in general have gone a bit mad. Glen Scotia provide a QR code on the packaging where you scan to watch an artists narrative of what the Icons of Campbeltown story is all about. We also get an age statement, a healthy abv and natural colouring and to be honest, any Campbeltown whisky fan wouldn't be disappointed to have this great dram in their collection. 

*This whisky was self-purchased and the above review reflects my personal opinions only.