bigwhitemike
Glen Garioch 12 Year
Single Malt — Highlands, Scotland
Reviewed
October 30, 2020 (edited May 27, 2021)
Attractive bottle and label. A pleasant golden orange. Oily and leggy. Sharp orange rind, grain, and lactose define the nose. Spiced and strong.
Tart and tangy. Creamy. Grainy. Simple sweetness that blends seamlessly into a zesty citrus and floral notes. Vanilla. Pear. Salt. Ginger. The elevated proof keeps the palate on edge and extends the finish well beyond many peers. A well-executed balance of casks keep the sherry profile clear but in moderation.
Really just an elegantly-made sherried Highland whisky that remains crisp, bold, and clean in presentation. I have very much enjoyed this bottle and would recommend to others although I usually see it >$55 which isn’t quite as good value.
48.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@bigwhitemike @Scott_E @Jan-Case Thanks for telling me - I'll be keeping Glen Garioch on my radar!
@Jan-Case I could see the intensity ratcheting up even more at cask strength. I am glad that the pronunciation is at least somewhat well publicized otherwise I would most certainly assume an English interpretation, and be quite wrong apparently!
@Scott_E yes, don’t see much conversation about this distillery but I have consistently enjoyed this bottle throughout its life. I think maybe it’s the “intensely flavored” Highland approach that is a bit unique. Need to find a pour of the founder’s Reserve, I’m sure it’s tasty.
I had a dram of a independent bottling a few weeks ago. It was was a treat - especially at cask strength. What stuck with me though was the das you pronounce this whisky, which is the weirdest letter to spoken transformation: ‘Glenn Geeree’ - so strange but something I won’t forget.
I really like Glen Garioch. Often overlooked. Good pricing. Decent quality. The Founders Reserve was one of the first purchases I made. On par with this 12. Good review!