Let’s sit down with a Glen Garioch 1991 today, which was bottled by Cadenhead. It’s actually a bit overdue, since I got this sample from Jason during the Dornoch whisky festival, which was held in October 2017. Yes, that’s been a while ago, but I sometimes find it difficult to write about certain subjects. Like Glen Garioch, a distillery and whisky that is often overlooked by me. Probably because it has not been able to surprise me so far (except for a few old ones) and maybe that is also the reason why this is a first review of a Glen Garioch. Anyway, I hope that will change soon, because I know there are a few great Glen Geriochs out there!

This Glen Garioch has matured in a bourbon hogshead for 25 years, and is bottled at 47% ABV.

Glen Garioch 1991 tasting notes:

Nose: White fruits, like pears and green apples. Some grassy tones. Vanilla. Cookie dough in the background. A combination of pineapple and citrus, which gives it a fresh note. Which is quite lovely actually. With water: more of the cookie dough, pineapple and citrus.

Taste: Green apples and unripe pears, and a citrus note. But is quite sharp and prickly. This definitily needs some water. With water: More vanilla and milk chocolate.

Finish: The finish is mid-long and has a bitter edge. With water: the bitter edge is gone. Vanilla. And strangely enough it seems like the finish has become a bit longer.

A nice, subtle dram, but nothing more than that. It definitely can use a few drops of water, than the flavours reveal themselves.

Thanks to Jason for the sample. you can read his review here.

Photo: Whiskybase.