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Glenkinchie (Glenkinchi) is often called Edinburgh malt because of the plant’s proximity to the capital of Scotland. The drink entered the series of six classic types of whiskey due to its mild taste with hints of citrus fruits and meadow flowers. The distillery is one of three companies operating in the Lowland region, which is located in the lowland part of the country. The brand belongs to Diageo holding.
Historical information
The distillery in the Kinchy Bern valley was built by the Wraith brothers in 1825. The entrepreneurs were farmers growing barley and decided to try their hand at the alcohol business. In 1837, the Glenkinchie distillery received a license to produce whiskey. The plant existed until the middle of the XNUMXth century, and then was sold to a new owner who lost control, and the distillery building was turned into a sawmill.
In 1880, the company was bought by a consortium of brewers and blenders from Scotland. The new owners rebuilt the plant and resumed the production of whiskey. At the beginning of the XNUMXth century, the company became part of Scottish Malt Distillers. The company managed to safely survive the Second World War – even during the period of hostilities, production did not stop.
Glenkinchie rose to prominence in 1989 when the brand entered the Classic Malts of Scotland line. The set consisted of six types of Scotch whiskey and was sold in all pubs and liquor stores in the UK. The distillery is owned by the alcohol holding Diageo PLC, one of the world’s largest producers and distributors of spirits.
Production features
The capacity of the enterprise is 1,7 million liters per year. The copper stills are considered to be among the largest in Scotland. The design of the alambiks is unusual – there is a concave section in the middle, which serves to better separate the alcohol vapors from the boiling liquid. The finished drink is aged in barrels of bourbon and amontillado sherry. Experts note that the wine-soaked wood gives Glenkinchie whiskey the smell of wild flowers and citrus fruits.
Awards
San Francisco World Spirits Competition, San Francisco:
- 2006, 2007, 2009 – silver;
- 2008 – gold.
International Spirits Challenge, Лондон:
- 2008, 2009 – bronze medal;
- 2010, 2011 – silver medal.
IWSC, London:
- 2007 – bronze medal;
- 2009 – silver medal;
- 2015 – gold and victory in the nomination “Best in Class”.
Interesting Facts
In the Lothian region of Scotland, where the distillery is located, the best varieties of barley are traditionally grown. The company uses gentle malt fumigation technology, so the taste of whiskey is very mild.
In 2007, the distillery released whiskey aged 12 and 20 years. Drinks have won a number of prestigious awards and have become the hallmark of the company.
Types of whiskey Glenkinchi
Glenkinchie Malt 12 years old, 43%
Single malt whiskey of light straw color with aromas of malt and flower honey. The taste is delicate, at the start there are candied apples and apricots, which are then mixed with light wine shades. The finish is long, with pronounced fruit tones.
Glenkinchie Malt 20 years old, 55,1%
This limited edition whiskey has been aged for at least 20 years in American oak barrels. The aromatic bouquet combines the smells of citrus, baked apple, cinnamon and meadow flowers. Lemon, a little tobacco, vanilla and ginger are felt in the taste. At the finish, smoky peat notes are added.
Glenkinchie 1974 GM, 40%
Vintage whiskey released in 1974 and aged in bourbon barrels until 1987. The color of the drink is dark amber, the aroma contains roasted, oak and citrus notes. The palate is rich and buttery with hints of wood, grain, leather and lemon peel. At the end, tones of hot spices, mountain ash and blackcurrant are added.
