I love the comparison here, thank you for giving some insight about the differences between batches. It was love at first dram for me with Batch 1. I know the 54.2% version has been around for a while but didn’t know that it was going to be the next “batch” so I’m excited to see it on shelves in the future. Happy MG!
Interesting! I have both the 51,5% and 54,2% and I much prefer the 54,2%. After doing some research, there seem to be batches within the batches. In fact, the 51,5% version is not batch #1. It is the original 2015 release. Batch #1 came in 2018 at 54,8% and the 54,2% version is called Cask Strength and came in 2019. Of this Cask Strength there are several batches. I dont know about the consistency of Cask Strength version but I guess that there are some variations.
Oops! I missed this comment! Sorry for the delay. Very interesting about the previous batches! Had no idea. Would love to have those all lined up to get the variations from each. Still, one of my favorites, for sure. Thanks for commenting! Cheers!
Nice review. Some people get all wrapped around the axle when batches vary, but I think it’s the differences from batch to batch which make them desirable.
Hi,I'm making my way through the Glen Scotia victoriana just now,batch two.But I'm in no rush to finish it.Glen Scotia seem to be uping there game to compete with Springbank and Kilkerran.As long as they keep making whisky like this,then I'm sure they won't go wrong.Campbeltown is in the process of having two new distilleries getting built in the very near future.So Campbeltown is going to be an even more exciting place especially ten year from now when we really know what types of whisky to expect from the new distilleries Machirhanish and Dalriata as they will be called.All the best from Clydebank,Glasgow🏴🇺🇲
Hello from Louisiana, Barry! Thanks so much for your lovely comment and I'm delighted you are enjoying the Victoriana. I am a self-proclaimed Campbeltown fan girl! Totally agree with you on the quality of whisky coming from Glen Scotia now. So wonderful to see. And taste. 🥃 I'm quite excited about the new Machrihanish distillery. I had the chance to meet Alasdair Day of Isle of Raasay distillery who is the one expanding there in Campbeltown. Super nice guy. Love seeing the region growing stronger. Thanks again for watching the video and commenting! Truly appreciate the support. Slainte Y'all 🥃🐊
I am unsure which batch I purchased when I was in New Orleans back in February as I have not opened it yet. I have binged and am caught up now. You are doing a good job. Cheers
Thanks for binge watching the videos! Appreciate all the comments, too. Truly helps. Check out the ABV on your bottle, odds are it is batch 1. I've not seen a batch 2 in Louisiana (hence getting a sample from Whisky Mystery). Our distribution systems isn't great down here. Again, really appreciate the support. Slainte, Y'all!
Nicely done. Haven’t had batch 2 yet but I agree with your points about first impressions and different palates. Higher ABV is great so you have more wiggle room.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, that ABV kinda got the best of me that day! I was surprised at how different they were to my palate. As always, thanks for the support, Drew.
You and me both! It's a great distillery and I've tried to sample some from each of their offerings. And their 25 year just won Whisky of the Year... now, how to get a dram of that! (I wish!) Thanks for watching and your comment, Shayla!
The first batch was incredible - a sweetness that you just can't find all that easily. That said, I've had the batch two a few more times than I got to have the first, but it's still good. I do think that if we're saying which is better, I wouldn't hesitate to say that Batch 1 was the better. I've been very lucky in that I've had some terrific Glen Scotias, some that were well aged and pretty darn brilliant. I actually really like the Double Cask. Gotta get one of those some time. Loved your contributions to the recent Vpub, that was a great time!
Thanks so much @TJ - for the comments and support. The vPub was a blast. Anytime I get to hang out with Roy and my fellow barflies is a treat! I need to crack open my bottle of Double Cask. I'm hearing from many of y'all that it is a great dram. I hear ya on the Batch 1. It is definitely my preference. Slainte!
Effervescent, hum.... I'll need to try that again to see if I get that! I've had an AnCnoc 16 that was almost fizzy. Interesting! I love geeking over whisky. LOL Thanks for the support!
Only tried batch 2. Excellent whisky in my book. Really interesting h2h, if only because it shows how difficult the whole concistency element must be if you're trying to establish longevity in a brand. Cheers Lee Anne!
Interesting....Quite precise notes...I have to say I struggled with this expression in the past (too much oak & spices for me = that heavily charred casks), but I guess I probably have to come back to it now...While I'm way more excited when I sip the '"Double Cask" or the amazing "1832" (travel retail 1 liter alternative with almost same recipe, but a tad more smoky). I struggle currently with a bottle of the 18 yo (a 2018 batch) but have just opened it (while I enjoyed a sample of another batch) & I love the 25 yo. Batch variations are very often an issue (but can also be an interest, for instance at Springbank house !) but not always, and great point on the power of suggestion or let's rather say the power of "first batch" effect....So congrats for staying open minded...Cheers !
Isn't that the beauty of whisky? We can all like what we like! What one person may love, another may not be too impressed... and that is OKAY! :) I have a bottle of the Double Cask but have not opened it... I must do that soon. And so true about batch variations! Great point! Thanks again for the visit and support! Cheers to you and Paris from La Louisiane!
I think I’ll have to track down a bottle of batch 2. I’ve been enjoying higher ABV bourbons lately and love single malts, so that sounds right up my alley.
If you like the higher ABV you should definitely enjoy either of these. Even batch 1 is potent although much more approachable neat. Thanks for the comment and support!
I really enjoy blind tastings. Glen Scotia has become one of my favorite distilleries. That said, Victoriana Batch 1 is probably my least favorite Glen Scotia expression. It's still very good but not the bottle I would point someone toward as the best example of Glen Scotia's work. Thanks for doing this!
Thanks for the comment! And yeah, I can totally see that. The heavily charred casks are a bit niche compared to the other expressions. Blinds are fun for me now. But I do still kinda get nervous doing them like I'll totally mess up figuring them out. But as our friend Roy says, it's the whisky that is on trial! Really appreciate you watching!
Oh no! I hope they keep making more batches but I can see how they would expire the use of those heavily charred casks, too. Thankfully, I have a couple back up bottles of Batch 1. Appreciate your support and glad you liked the review!
Blind compares like this I think are tough, especially when one is a sample someone sent you. Makes me think of SMWS 93.114 BBQ in fish nets. I have that bottle and someone sent me a sample, not knowing I already had it. The exact same whisky so they should taste the same, right? I could tell the difference between the two. My only guess is that my bottle had been opened a while and the sample was probably poured from a freshly opened bottle. The sample had more abv punch and my bottle seemed to almost be more viscous, coating my palate with a velvet touch. I’m not saying that’s why these two Victoriana’s were different for you, but it could have some impact. Great comparison Lee. I will pick up a backup bottle of this it I see it again, and hopefully I’ll spot a new batch too. Cheers 🥃
VERY interesting, George! Yeah, great point about sample vs. bottle. I know the sample came from an open bottle (no idea how long it was open). The other came from a 1/2 full bottle so it definitely had time to breathe. But again, they were two different bottlings. I have the SMWS BBQ in fish nets - had a dram via Zoom with a friend just last week. My tasting experience falls clearly in line with how you describe with your own bottle! Thanks so much for the comment and watching. 🥃 Slàinte Mhath!
Hi from Scotland…. Enjoyed your review. I love glen scotia 15. A beautiful dram, but the Victoriana ( batch 2).. is amazing. I’ve never tried B1. The vanilla is striking. Beautiful fruit, and lingering. I’m tasting many more expressions of scotia from now on. A fabulous job in making a fabulous whisky. Slainte mhath 👋🥃🥃🥃
Thanks for watching! Glen Scotia is making some wonderful whisky. We were to have toured it and the other distilleries in Campbeltown last year.😭 I have high hopes of getting back to Alba next year. I absolutely adore your country. Hope you subscribe and join us for more videos! Slainte,Y'all! 🥃
Hi Sven, thanks for the comment... thinking back on that batch 1 bottle... it was open for a month or so, for sure. But I'm not sure that had much affect. I've since opened a new batch 1 and get pretty much the same. Batch 2 is just hotter and has a bigger kick, to my palate. Did you have a preference between the two? Thanks again! Cheers! 🥃🐊
And that's the beauty of it - we all have different taste buds. I know that @MarkJ G prefers the 15 as well. I have the double cask but haven't cracked it open... but definitely will soon. Thanks for the comment and watching, friend!
I love the comparison here, thank you for giving some insight about the differences between batches. It was love at first dram for me with Batch 1. I know the 54.2% version has been around for a while but didn’t know that it was going to be the next “batch” so I’m excited to see it on shelves in the future. Happy MG!
We need to form an Victoriana Batch 1 Fan Club! There are so many of us who absolutely love that expression! Cheers!
Interesting! I have both the 51,5% and 54,2% and I much prefer the 54,2%. After doing some research, there seem to be batches within the batches. In fact, the 51,5% version is not batch #1. It is the original 2015 release. Batch #1 came in 2018 at 54,8% and the 54,2% version is called Cask Strength and came in 2019. Of this Cask Strength there are several batches. I dont know about the consistency of Cask Strength version but I guess that there are some variations.
Oops! I missed this comment! Sorry for the delay. Very interesting about the previous batches! Had no idea. Would love to have those all lined up to get the variations from each. Still, one of my favorites, for sure. Thanks for commenting! Cheers!
Nice review. Some people get all wrapped around the axle when batches vary, but I think it’s the differences from batch to batch which make them desirable.
Glad you liked it. Differences make variety and isn't that the spice of life?!? Thanks for watching and your comment Frank.
Hi,I'm making my way through the Glen Scotia victoriana just now,batch two.But I'm in no rush to finish it.Glen Scotia seem to be uping there game to compete with Springbank and Kilkerran.As long as they keep making whisky like this,then I'm sure they won't go wrong.Campbeltown is in the process of having two new distilleries getting built in the very near future.So Campbeltown is going to be an even more exciting place especially ten year from now when we really know what types of whisky to expect from the new distilleries Machirhanish and Dalriata as they will be called.All the best from Clydebank,Glasgow🏴🇺🇲
Hello from Louisiana, Barry! Thanks so much for your lovely comment and I'm delighted you are enjoying the Victoriana. I am a self-proclaimed Campbeltown fan girl! Totally agree with you on the quality of whisky coming from Glen Scotia now. So wonderful to see. And taste. 🥃 I'm quite excited about the new Machrihanish distillery. I had the chance to meet Alasdair Day of Isle of Raasay distillery who is the one expanding there in Campbeltown. Super nice guy. Love seeing the region growing stronger. Thanks again for watching the video and commenting! Truly appreciate the support. Slainte Y'all 🥃🐊
I am unsure which batch I purchased when I was in New Orleans back in February as I have not opened it yet. I have binged and am caught up now. You are doing a good job. Cheers
Thanks for binge watching the videos! Appreciate all the comments, too. Truly helps. Check out the ABV on your bottle, odds are it is batch 1. I've not seen a batch 2 in Louisiana (hence getting a sample from Whisky Mystery). Our distribution systems isn't great down here. Again, really appreciate the support. Slainte, Y'all!
Nicely done. Haven’t had batch 2 yet but I agree with your points about first impressions and different palates. Higher ABV is great so you have more wiggle room.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, that ABV kinda got the best of me that day! I was surprised at how different they were to my palate. As always, thanks for the support, Drew.
Great Video! I will not complain if anyone gives me Glen Scotia haha
You and me both! It's a great distillery and I've tried to sample some from each of their offerings. And their 25 year just won Whisky of the Year... now, how to get a dram of that! (I wish!) Thanks for watching and your comment, Shayla!
The first batch was incredible - a sweetness that you just can't find all that easily. That said, I've had the batch two a few more times than I got to have the first, but it's still good. I do think that if we're saying which is better, I wouldn't hesitate to say that Batch 1 was the better. I've been very lucky in that I've had some terrific Glen Scotias, some that were well aged and pretty darn brilliant. I actually really like the Double Cask. Gotta get one of those some time. Loved your contributions to the recent Vpub, that was a great time!
Thanks so much @TJ - for the comments and support. The vPub was a blast. Anytime I get to hang out with Roy and my fellow barflies is a treat! I need to crack open my bottle of Double Cask. I'm hearing from many of y'all that it is a great dram. I hear ya on the Batch 1. It is definitely my preference. Slainte!
My only Glen Scotia experience is with the standard 15. It is delightful, with a effervescence that I haven't experienced from other whiskys.
Effervescent, hum.... I'll need to try that again to see if I get that! I've had an AnCnoc 16 that was almost fizzy. Interesting! I love geeking over whisky. LOL Thanks for the support!
Only tried batch 2. Excellent whisky in my book. Really interesting h2h, if only because it shows how difficult the whole concistency element must be if you're trying to establish longevity in a brand. Cheers Lee Anne!
Great point! Although they were pretty different, the char was a present characteristic in each. Cheers, Menno!
Interesting....Quite precise notes...I have to say I struggled with this expression in the past (too much oak & spices for me = that heavily charred casks), but I guess I probably have to come back to it now...While I'm way more excited when I sip the '"Double Cask" or the amazing "1832" (travel retail 1 liter alternative with almost same recipe, but a tad more smoky). I struggle currently with a bottle of the 18 yo (a 2018 batch) but have just opened it (while I enjoyed a sample of another batch) & I love the 25 yo. Batch variations are very often an issue (but can also be an interest, for instance at Springbank house !) but not always, and great point on the power of suggestion or let's rather say the power of "first batch" effect....So congrats for staying open minded...Cheers !
Isn't that the beauty of whisky? We can all like what we like! What one person may love, another may not be too impressed... and that is OKAY! :) I have a bottle of the Double Cask but have not opened it... I must do that soon. And so true about batch variations! Great point! Thanks again for the visit and support! Cheers to you and Paris from La Louisiane!
@@ScotchontheBayou Indeed, I can only advise you to open that lovely whisky that is the Double Cask, enjoy ! Cheers !
Have only the the opportunity to get the the Glen Scotia 15 and it was too good that it's gone now. Am saving up for the Victoriana. Can't wait!
Glen Scotia is making some great whisky and yeah, that 15 is fantastic! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel!
I think I’ll have to track down a bottle of batch 2. I’ve been enjoying higher ABV bourbons lately and love single malts, so that sounds right up my alley.
If you like the higher ABV you should definitely enjoy either of these. Even batch 1 is potent although much more approachable neat. Thanks for the comment and support!
Still need to pick up a bottle - batch 2 with higher ABV here - but always pushed to the back of the list for something else. Slainte!
I hear ya! There are so many bottles!!! It will be there for a while, plenty of time to get Batch 2. Thanks for watching the video James!
I really enjoy blind tastings. Glen Scotia has become one of my favorite distilleries. That said, Victoriana Batch 1 is probably my least favorite Glen Scotia expression. It's still very good but not the bottle I would point someone toward as the best example of Glen Scotia's work. Thanks for doing this!
Thanks for the comment! And yeah, I can totally see that. The heavily charred casks are a bit niche compared to the other expressions. Blinds are fun for me now. But I do still kinda get nervous doing them like I'll totally mess up figuring them out. But as our friend Roy says, it's the whisky that is on trial! Really appreciate you watching!
Great review! Apparently Victoriana is getting discontinued, which is a shame because it’s a great whisky!
Oh no! I hope they keep making more batches but I can see how they would expire the use of those heavily charred casks, too. Thankfully, I have a couple back up bottles of Batch 1. Appreciate your support and glad you liked the review!
Blind compares like this I think are tough, especially when one is a sample someone sent you. Makes me think of SMWS 93.114 BBQ in fish nets. I have that bottle and someone sent me a sample, not knowing I already had it. The exact same whisky so they should taste the same, right? I could tell the difference between the two. My only guess is that my bottle had been opened a while and the sample was probably poured from a freshly opened bottle. The sample had more abv punch and my bottle seemed to almost be more viscous, coating my palate with a velvet touch. I’m not saying that’s why these two Victoriana’s were different for you, but it could have some impact. Great comparison Lee. I will pick up a backup bottle of this it I see it again, and hopefully I’ll spot a new batch too. Cheers 🥃
VERY interesting, George! Yeah, great point about sample vs. bottle. I know the sample came from an open bottle (no idea how long it was open). The other came from a 1/2 full bottle so it definitely had time to breathe. But again, they were two different bottlings. I have the SMWS BBQ in fish nets - had a dram via Zoom with a friend just last week. My tasting experience falls clearly in line with how you describe with your own bottle! Thanks so much for the comment and watching. 🥃 Slàinte Mhath!
Hi from Scotland…. Enjoyed your review. I love glen scotia 15. A beautiful dram, but the Victoriana ( batch 2).. is amazing. I’ve never tried B1. The vanilla is striking. Beautiful fruit, and lingering. I’m tasting many more expressions of scotia from now on. A fabulous job in making a fabulous whisky. Slainte mhath 👋🥃🥃🥃
Thanks for watching! Glen Scotia is making some wonderful whisky. We were to have toured it and the other distilleries in Campbeltown last year.😭 I have high hopes of getting back to Alba next year. I absolutely adore your country. Hope you subscribe and join us for more videos! Slainte,Y'all! 🥃
@@ScotchontheBayou thank you… yep, I’ve subscribed and looking forward to many more videos. Slainte mhath 🥃🥃🥃👋
i do have a 2009 Red wine Sincgle Cask Glen Scotia, but never had the Victoriana
That sounds delicious, Gerben! Was that an independent bottling or from the distillery?
it was from Signatory
How long is the batch1 openend? Sounds like a bit of oxidization mellowed the flavour
Hi Sven, thanks for the comment... thinking back on that batch 1 bottle... it was open for a month or so, for sure. But I'm not sure that had much affect. I've since opened a new batch 1 and get pretty much the same. Batch 2 is just hotter and has a bigger kick, to my palate. Did you have a preference between the two? Thanks again! Cheers! 🥃🐊
I have the 54.2 abv Victoriana and I actually still don't really care for it. I prefer the 15 and double cask. Slainte Lee Ann 🥃
And that's the beauty of it - we all have different taste buds. I know that @MarkJ G prefers the 15 as well. I have the double cask but haven't cracked it open... but definitely will soon. Thanks for the comment and watching, friend!