THE WHISKY BAR · HANOI

Daily Review Archive

23 May 2026

Review calendar

2 Amber Room Reviews

Review 104

Glengoyne 30 Years Old 46,8% bottled 2020

Glengoyne
89
Client-supplied bottle photo of Glengoyne 30 Years Old 46,8% bottled 2020

Whisky facts

Region
Highland
Bottling type
Official Bottling
Age
30 years
ABV
46.8%
Bottles in release
5200

When I first started drinking whisky I used to think that these 30yo OBs were the pinnacle of single malt, funny seeing how many IB 3x and 4x whiskies I have drank before bottles like these. One of those whiskies where the nose is actually disappointing compares to the taste & finish. While the whisky itself is not inherently bad, the price point due to being an OB makes it less appealing compared to a comparable IB for 30-50% less of the price

Nose

Very dense & intense & slightly hot nose, fresh summer fruits, berries, hint of tobacco

Body

Typical sweet sherry, fruity, fresh, slightly bitter & oaky but not tannic & unpleasant, bitter oranges, some herbal earl grey tea, creamy milk chocolate, sweet dates and raisins

Finish

The bitterness lingers during the finish, slightly spicy, the finish is longer than I would expect from the ABV

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Review 103

Signatory Vintage Bowmore 1968 2001 33 Years Old 46,2% Cask 1431

Bowmore
92
Illustrative image · Illustrative client photo: Signatory Bowmore 1968/2001, 33y, cask 1431; strength unreadable.
Illustrative image

Whisky facts

Region
Islay
Independent Bottler
Signatory Vintage
Age
33 years
ABV
46.2%
Vintage
1968
Bottled
2001
Cask type
oak cask
Cask number
1431
Bottles in release
218

My first Bowmore from the 60s, a period considered to be peak Bowmore with some legendary bottles. A bottle where the smoke is much more prominent during the nose and then becomes more subtle as you drink it

Nose

The nose is very unique, with peaty tobacco mixed with zesty passion fruits, the balanced mixture of peat smoke and sweetness is what makes these old Islay incredible (& expensive) but it’s the first time I can distinctively pick out a passion fruit note

Body

The palate is delicate, with more passion fruits & citrus zest, lemons, followed by a slightly spicy & peppery smoke

Finish

The finish is medium-long with more oomph than I would expect from the 46,2%; contains some creaminess & fresh herbs, almost herbal tea-ish

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