Glen Garioch 18 Year (SMWS Rare Release)

 

This is a special 18 year old release of Glen Garioch from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society ("SMWS") as part of the 2022 Highland Festival. I don't know a lot about Glen Garioch (pronounced "Glen Geery") ... Wikipedia tells me it's owned by Morrison Bowmore, which itself is owned by Suntory, the international beverage giant. Apparently production stopped for a few years in the late 60s/early 70s when their water source ran dry; they found another on a neighboring farm called "the silent spring" because it was silent and invisible (?!). 

Here are the official notes:

The complex nose immediately evoked a generous helping of hazelnut spread. There were bars of nougat, flaked almonds, and sweet peanuts. "This is nuts!", exclaimed one humorous panellist. In time, it became more oily, chamois leather, over-ripe peaches, and nectarines as well as a leafy note, with eucalyptus and tea tree oil. To taste, we found salted caramel and white chocolate mice. Still oily, peppery nasturtium leaves, Sichuan pepper, citrus peels, and assorted gin botanicals. With water, "that's a fat distillate!", we all agreed. Sweet & creamy, a hessian sack full of barley, rum fudge, boiled toffee sweets and apple and peach Tart Tatin. The amateur baker among us picked up notes of wholemeal bread drizzled with honey and buttery brioche. The taste was full of expressive esters; pink bubble gum, red apple skins, pear drops and raspberry sherbet. We walked through an old sweetie shop, then kicked through autumn leaves before polishing antique furniture in a country manor.

From creator Euan Campbell: The whole notion of whisky regions is open to interpretation, but if you were to imagine a classic unpeated Highland style, then this is it – it’s in our Spicy & Dry flavour profile, with a rich mouthfeel and full of wonderful fruity esters.

Pretty good! Matured for 18 years in first fill barrels, bottled at 55.6% ABV, let's dive right in:

Nose: Butterscotch, lots of herbs including a distinct pine note (!), mint, and vanilla. I get less nuts than the official notes, but - in complete honestly - I had 10 whisky samples before this one, so I might not have been on my "A" game. 

Mouthfeel: Silky, rich feel.  

Palate: Rich, powerful - creme brulee, ginger, herbs, mild salt, toffee, honey. 

Finish: Medium length, oak and honey and pepper. Nice. 

Verdict: This was very nice stuff. I would like to try more Glen Garioch in the future! As it is, I recommend this if you come across it in the wild like I did. Interesting, sweetish with herbal counterpoints, quite nice overall.