Glen Garioch 12 Year Old
History: Glen Garioch is one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland and its most easterly. Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery in the ancient Doric dialect still spoken in those parts) has been making its mighty malt in the quaint and historic market town of Oldmeldrum, near Aberdeen in North East Scotland ever since 1797. Shielded from the world's prying eyes, deep in the fertile 'Granary of Aberdeenshire', and only ever produced in small, precious batches, Glen Garioch is a rare fine indeed, but warmly appreciated but those who like a hearty Highland malt, non chill filtered as nature intended. This 12 year old was released in 2010 and is matured in both American bourbon and Spanish sherry casks which give it loads of character as each stage of the marriage adds distinct characteristics to the final single malt.
Tasting Notes: This Highland single malt is easy drinking and approachable, most suitably meant for sipping neat by a warm fire or at the end of a dock as the sun goes down. Appearing the colour of a sharp honey tone, on the nose you first sense is a heathery floral note which is balanced nicely with the richness of pears and the sweetness of malted barley with a hint of oak. On the palete you can taste a creme brulee-esque sweetness with other fruity flavours leading to a long, smooth and creamy finish. This scotch really packs a punch and is fully fragrant for all of your senses.
Price: $57.99
Wisemen Word: This was our first foray to the bottom of a Glen Garioch bottle and it did not disappoint and it definitely won't be our last. Bottled at a fiesty 48% ABV this whisky is a real charmer so try not to shy away from it too quickly as it may take some warming up to at first. We found that adding a little drop of water can really open it up a bit more and provide some real depth to the complexity of flavours present in this exquisite bottle. It always seems to end smooth and creamy which is a nice result for a whisky which such strong characteristics. Please enjoy responsibly. Slainte!
