One thing which makes me hopeful when I look at new distilleries, is the ability to be innovative in their approach to the business side of things, if not the production. Take Glasgow Distillery and its pricing approach to the Small Batch Series. Or Lagg, turning the concept of Lowland whisky on its head. Or today’s distillery Glenwyvis, and their 2019 I will review today, with an innovative approach to ownership.
TL:DR: Youthfull and already showing plenty of individual character
Score: 5.5, Average, in a good way but showing clear promise of good stuff to come
GlenWyvis Distillery: A Pioneering Community-Owned Distillery
Nestled in the Scottish Highlands near Dingwall, GlenWyvis Distillery has an inspiring story rooted in community and sustainability. Established in 2015, GlenWyvis is the first 100% community-owned distillery in Scotland, financed through a crowdfunding campaign that attracted thousands of investors. The distillery’s mission centred on not only crafting high-quality whisky but also revitalizing the local economy and embracing eco-friendly practices. GlenWyvis is powering its production through renewable energy sources, including hydro, wind, and solar power.
In 2017, GlenWyvis distilled its first batch, marking a new chapter for the town of Dingwall, which has a distilling history likely dating back to the 1690s. The distillery’s creation offers a unique model for cooperative business ownership in the whisky industry and one which could hopefully inspire others to revitalise the local rural economy if successful.
The Recent Legal Twists
GlenWyvis has also Ade the news for a its recent legal dispute with its landlord and former managerover tenancy rights for the distillery site. The landlord, seeking to reclaim the property, argued that GlenWyvis’s lease terms did not grant them long-term security. Ultimately, the dispute was resolved in court, allowing GlenWyvis to retain its tenancy and continue operations, though the case has highlighted challenges that even innovative, community-focused businesses can face. For more information I suggest checking this statement from the distillery which clearly exxplains their position after the Judge’s decision.
With the legal matter now settled, GlenWyvis looks forward to focusing on its mission of producing exceptional whisky. This chapter adds complexity to GlenWyvis’s story, showing the resilience required to preserve such a unique community asset. And now it’s time for the review of the Glenwyvis 2019.
Glenwyvis 2019
Specs
Price paid: €66.04
Lot: 1/19
ABV: 46.5%
Natural colour: Yes
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Casks Used: 68% First-fill Bourbon, 15% refill, 7% First-fill ex-Red wine, 7% First-fill ex Moscatel, 3% First-fill ex-Marsala. If you are looking for more details, check the full production specs on Glenwyvis’ product page. Great to see this level of transparency!
Tasting Notes
Colour: Pale white wine, with a very slight pinkish tinge.
Nose: Quote intense- sweet, floral and grainy. Frosted cornflakes and applesauce, then vanilla and sweet flowers. The official notes say honeysuckle, and for once, I agree with the tasting notes from the distillery. Maybe even a touch of Parma violets. As someone who can find floral notes overbearing (see Deanston 12), I enjoy how they are integrated here. There is a slight medicinal note, a touch of ginger and liquorice. There is a touch of that newmake note, but it is really just a hint in the background and not obtrusive at all.
Taste and finish: The first impact is quite intense, and the mouthfeel oily. It is a bit rough, showing its youth on the palate, And yet, there is plenty of other stuff to keep things interesting. Newmakey pear schnapps, mazipan, some white fruit, grapes. I get a hint of bitterness at the back of the tongue. The finish is surprisingly much mellower and long, with white fruit, ginger and white pepper finishing on a lingering grain note.
Score*: 5.5, Average, in a good way but showing clear promise of good stuff to come
This review of the Glenwyvis 2019 is putting me in a bit of a bind. I am sure my lack of experience, relative to other online whisky writers, might be aat play here, but I am finding it hard to find the balance between judging the whisky in the glass, which is interesting but clearly young, and my enthusiasm from the potential I see here. So I will chicken out and go for a half point to mediate between the two voices in my head… and I will keep my eyes open for Glenwyvis with more ageing in the future, I am positive it will be exciting.
* Score are based on the scoring scale used by Dramface, slightly modified to allow half-point
After writing my tasting notes, I always find it interesting to look at other opinions. Here are a few other reviews of Gelmwyvis 2019 I enjoyed:
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