Glen Garioch is one of those often overlooked and does not come readily to mind when seeking out a scotch. It’s bottled at a lovely, high 48% abv, is non-chilled filtered and aged at least 12 years. I believe there is coloring added (I would prefer if there was none, but I can live with it). With all these positives, I expect good things. The liquid is light amber in color (just a wee bit of artificial color?) A faint and light nose is floral, fruity and nutty. The aromas of butterscotch, caramelized-bananas, vanilla, sweet tea, honeysuckle, heather, walnuts and almonds can be found. These aromas do not all come out at once. It takes time and some digging. Take time to nose this one as it really sets up the palate (and the high ABV needs to dissipate somewhat). The first sip is sweet and hot, as expected, in a medium-thin body. A fair amount of burn, which comes from the alcohol, comes on gradually and crescendos and dissipates in a quick finale. Tea tasting similar to Barry’s Irish Breakfast Tea and white pepper are the primary flavors. Brown sugar, vanilla provide a lovely sweetness balanced by drying oak tannins. The body is short-lived, unfortunately. The palate experience, starts with a sip, right to a blast, and almost immediately, to a finish. However, the finish is fairly long of orange-bitters, tea and honey, salted-caramel and woody-oakiness. A touch of water does enhance the experience that softens the bite and bitterness and is recommended if you want this to be a sweeter dram. This is a lovely, sweet whisky that only sweetens the longer it opens. Perfect as an after meal sipper or sitting on a deck during the evening, ending a relaxing day. Some may find this a simple whisky, bordering on the plain and boring side. Glen Garioch, in my opinion, is producing whiskies that are not trying to be something that they are not. It’s a nice, sweet, well-crafted whisky that is flat out enjoyable. [Dry Glass: Salted Caramel][$57][87/100][Tasted: 2/26/17]