Glenkinchie distillery lies in Pencaitland, East Lothian, just a short drive from Edinburgh, and has been producing whisky since 1837. Often nicknamed the "Edinburgh Malt", it is one of only a handful of working Lowland distilleries and represents the region within Diageo's Classic Malts range.
The 12 Year Old is matured for a minimum of twelve years in oak casks, largely refill American oak, which allows the delicate, grain-forward Lowland character to shine through rather than being overwhelmed by wood influence.
The nose is light and aromatic, with barley malt, almonds, hazelnuts and manuka honey. The palate turns fruitier, offering stewed fruit, dessert wine and apple peel with honey, becoming pleasantly oaky towards the back. The finish is medium in length, with barley and freshly mown grass.
A classic example of the soft, herbaceous Lowland style, Glenkinchie 12 Year Old is best enjoyed as a refreshing aperitif, particularly on a warm evening.
