Glenkinchie has unveiled a new 16 Year Old Whisky that is the first release in Diageo’s Four Corners of Scotland Collection. The offering from the Lowland Distillery is the first in the limited-edition series of single malts, which commemorates the transformation of Diageo’s brand homes at its Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Caol Ila, and Clynelish distilleries.
Bottled at 50.6% ABV, Four Corners of Scotland Glenkinchie 16 Year Old has been matured in a combination of refill and freshly charred hogsheads casks. It is a fragrant, fresh and elegant single malt, and delivers notes of baked apple combined with subtle creamy mossy aromas. The texture is luscious and smooth, opening with sweet flavors, swiftly followed by slightly drying and spicy tones which are balanced by appetising juicy acidity.
The Four Corners of Scotland Collection commemorates Diageo’s £185 million investment in Scotch Whisky experiences. Each of the four distilleries represents a part of Scotland: Lowland – Glenkinchie, Speyside – Cardhu, Islay – Caol Ila and Highland – Clynelish, which are at the heart of Diageo’s Johnnie Walker blended Scotch whisky range. The entire project centers itself around the currently under construction flagship Johnnie Walker Visitor Center in Edinburgh, and also includes the restoration of the shuttered Port Ellen and Brora distilleries.
Only 2,502 bottles of the Four Corners of Scotland Glenkinchie 16 Year Old will be made available. They will be released later this month and can be purchased exclusively from the Glenkinchie Distillery for the price of £150 ($193 USD).
At the end of October, Glenkinchie Distillery reopened after going through its “major transformation.” As part of the expansion, Glenkinchie’s red brick warehouse buildings were turned into a multi-level visitor experience, which is surrounded by a new landscape garden featuring native orchids and plants. New tasting rooms and a bar area, meanwhile, are set to serve Whisky Highballs, tasting platters, and dram flights.
A number of specialized tours, tastings, and masterclasses will be on offer, including the Glenkinchie Flavour Journey, Whisky in the Wild Tour, Warehouse and Cask Tour, Flowers and Cocktails Class, and a Behind the Scenes Tour and Tasting.