Glen Garioch 12 Year

One of two Glen Garioch's on the night. I preferred the virgin oak but this was a nice drop with good balance between the sherry and bourbon casks. 3.75

This is a tough nut to crack. The nose is very closed off at first and difficult to suss out anything in particular. Water definitely helps open things up a bit and brings out the sherry and honey. The first thing you find on your palette is the notes from the bourbon and sherry casks in almost perfect unison. Neither takes center stage really. However, after a moment or two the bourbon and sherry turns into a bitter and somewhat tannic note. I’ve read some folks mention a brininess to this malt but I’m not getting that. I get an almost damp earth flavor on the finish with none of the upfront bourbon and sherry sweetness. It’s an intriguing malt for certain and I have to say I appreciate the challenge this is posing. No way would I recommend this to a scotch newbie but for an experienced taster this has something to offer. I’m going to leave this rating-less for the moment. I’m really curious how this changes once it’s been open for a bit. If I had to compare this to anything I’d say it’s almost a bastard child of Bunnahabhain and Craigellachie. Looking forward to seeing where this goes.

Floral and sweet aroma, briny but smooth flavor