Glen Ord 13-Year Cadenhead Single Cask
55.1% ABV - Highlands, Scotland
Nose: Green apple, caramel, straw grass, white wine and sweet grain.
Taste: Citrusy, green apple hard candies, white orchard fruits, and butterscotch.
Finish: The citrus and green apple carry though hard with some malty notes and heat like a chili pepper.
I took a chance on this single cask—that is to say that I bought it without tasting it (or speaking to someone who had). It’s definitely much more green apples then I’d normally want in a whisky, but it was a good exploration purchase and chance to expand the horizons of my whisky journey.
I had forgotten to write down tasting notes, so this review is from a 2-oz sample bottle that I tucked away when I finished the bottle almost a year ago—March 2022!
Details: Distilled 2005. Bourbon Hogshead. Bottled for the Companions of the Quaich.
Tasting Notes (Official):
Tasted 20 February 2023. (Posted 29 October 2023.)
84/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
