The Glen Garioch 1797 is the essential Glen Garioch (pronounced geery in the local dialect), the 1797 denoting when the distillery was founded. They have a lot to be proud of, despite some setbacks along the way. Though owned by the large spirits conglomerate Beam Suntory, this distillery continues making its whisky in small unique batches as it has done for over two centuries. The Glen Garioch 12 year was one of our first reviews, so we were eager to see what time and experience has wrought.
Distillery: Glen Garioch
Region: Highland
Age: NAS
Strength: 48%
Price: $44.99
Location: Oldmeldrum
Nose: Butterscotch, vanilla creme pie with graham cracker crust, honey, oak, brine, heather, medicinal, herbal
Palate: Butterscotch, oak, snickerdoodle cookie, green apricot, spice, pepper
Finish: Green apple, oak, lime zest, honey, vanilla, coffee, caramel
Comments: You could add water…but why? Though 48%, there is hardly any edge to have taken off.
Adam – What a wonderful nose. A veritable potpourri, but better. A wonderful example of all the summery goodness that I love about the flora and fauna profile. The palate doesn’t disappoint either, with a rich array of sweetness blended into fruity sensations and a little bit of spice on the back end that shouldn’t work yet somehow does. The finish disappears quickly with zest and a different smorgasbord of flavors. I needed to try the Glen Garioch 1797 several times to focus on individual flavors, as it was impossible to find them all in one go. Props for a tartan siding on their boxes, too. This is a quintessential summer scotch for me, perfect to sit outside on the porch with the sun shining. Like summer’s waning days, this whisky is meant to be savored drop by golden drop.
Kate – It’s all in the nose. I don’t need to drink it. In fact, I could be drinking the Tullibardine 228. Since this is the second offering from Glen Garioch that we’ve sampled, it definitely has components that link the two together. Out of all the other floral and fauna we’ve tried, I actually like this the best
I needed to try it several times to focus on individual flavors, as it was impossible to find them all in one go.
Meghan – We all know I’m a sucker for the Highlands. The Glen Garioch 1797 is different than my usual favorites but it is still enjoyable. It is a creamy scotch with more dessert-like sweetness than some. It is missing a lot of the green flavors and citrus zest that I love in Highlands but that doesn’t mean the dram is lacking. The mouth-feel is best described as soft, like suede or brushed silk. For me it is an autumn whisky, a drink for when a chill has crept into the air though the sun is still warm. It will help keep you warm as you watch the increasingly early sunset from your patio. It’s finish lingers but just slightly. It fades away as the last light leaves the sky reminding you that the weather, the whisky, and time itself are fleeting and should be savored in the now.
