Glen Breton

 

For whisky to be called Scotch, it must be made in Scotland, but a spirit made elsewhere of the same ingredients and using the same methods can have remarkable excellence.  One such is Glen Breton, which is made in “New Scotland,” or Nova Scotia, Canada.  This fall I visited the beautiful  Glenora Distillery on Cape Breton Island and brought home some of what they term North America’s first single malt whisky. 

The claim could be disputed.  Under Scotch whisky regulations, single malt Scotch whisky must be made exclusively from malted barley.  It must be distilled using a pot still, and must be aged for at least three years in oak casks of a capacity not exceeding 700 liters. There are some American whiskey’s advertised as single malts that are made from malted rye.   

My friend John Sgammato and I briefly discussed the technicalities as I poured out glasses of the souvenir I’d brought home , but our main interest was to discover (1.)  did Glen Breton taste like Scotch? And  (2.) did it taste good?  Our answer to both questions was yes.  A review by P.P. at the Wine Enthusiast website had this to say:

“The delightful aroma features scents of spice, dried banana, cinnamon/nutmeg; ginger, egg cream, and a hint of honey. The palate entry offers a  zesty, spirity warmth; by mid-palate the pleasing tingle is replaced by round tastes of honey coated cereal, sweet oak, and candied almond. Finishes elegantly, smoldering warm, and resiny  bittersweet. A world-class malt whisky.”

Wine critics are well known for their imaginations.  As  we sipped, neither John nor I mentioned Honey Bunches of O.  In fact I think the flavor is simpler than the review implies.  John referred to the mid-palate taste as biscuity. We found the whisky approachable and easy to drink. 

Each single malt whisky has its own personality.  Unless you have a lot of money and a very large liquor cabinet, you have to choose a favorite.  Glen Breton would make a comfy friend.  It has the attraction of being made on our very own continent, and the disadvantage that it doesn’t seem to be sold in Massachusetts.  You can buy it in Connecticut, however.  The Glenora Distillery website provides a list of merchants in the United States where you can find it.  Check it out at http://www.glenoradistillery.com/ It has the added advantage of being a rarity.  You will enjoy offering it to your friends.