A Gift from Jock

I finally got round to opening this little dram.

We opened our Foghouse Spirits whisky bar on the 5th July and we were delighted when Dr Jock Ramsay and his good lady walked in to have a browse.

Even better than that, his presence was accompanied with a lovely gift of a sample bottle of this new release from the GlenWyvis Distillery - The Drover.

The Drover is the first in a series of whiskies from the distillery and was launched in June. The Highland Legacy series celebrates the traditions and trades of highland life, which is at the root of the distilleries ethos.

The marriage consists of First Fill Sauternes Barriques (37%) First Fill Madeira Hogsheads (30%) High Strength First Fill Bourbon Barrels (21%) and First Fill Oloroso Hogsheads (12%), and is limited to 3000 bottles.

On the nose, I'm picking up a massive aroma of apple crumble with a sprinkling of cinnamon. Over time, there's a note of a fruity spirit, like grappa, and some herbal notes. There's almost a hint of a gin martini in there, playing around under a sweet museli blanket.

The apple continues on the palate, though it's less sweet than the nose suggests. It's mixed with a grapefruit tartness. It's juicy, fruity and oily with a sharp tang that compliments the flavours.

The finish isn't overly long, it sinks away quite happily. I'd prefer something that lasts a little longer but there's nothing unenjoyable about it. Flavours of cocoa, orange peel and dry spices, cinnamon perhaps come through.

It's a very decent dram that's well balanced, contains a multitude of fruity notes and a weighty, spicy mouth feel to offer a pleasant drinking experience.

Whether the plan is to grow the liquid with time, sticking to a similar marriage make up and see how the flavour develops, or try a completely different mix for each release is yet to be unveiled.

It's sure to be an interesting series that comes from what is perhaps one of the lesser known new distilleries of the current era.

Massive thanks again to Jock for the sample, and I hope that you enjoyed your time at the Foghouse, and Inverurie Whisky Shop .

Incidentally, you can enjoy the Glenwyvis Driver at The Foghouse Whisky and Wine bar by the dram, or by the bottle at Inverurie Whisky Shop.

#glenwyvis #whisky #whiskyreview #singlemalt #scotchwhisky #escapism #makeitmemorable