Glen Garioch 12yo (48%, OB, +/-2009)

The new Glen Garioch sporting a new bottle, a new label, a newly formulated whisky (sherry & bourbon), a higher ABV and a distinct lack of a stag on the label, just a spring of barley; what a bloody shame! In any case as consolation to the traditionalists there’s some tartan on the box and on an up note it’s not chill filtered.

The nose is distinctly loamy at first however this starts to dissipate soon to be over taken by green hay, barley dust and then some aromas from the solvent & floral (Fragrant) section of the flavour wheel in the form of alfalfa, coconut and then mildly damp card board. There’s a real tug of war between the solvent/floral and the malty characteristics. Enough! On to the taste which is VERY nice and more solid Highland in style however there are some green notes lurking in the back ground. Not a hint of smoke (nor was this expected) however the gentle floral and the malt work very well together to…oh wait! Some citrus in the form of oranges and then some brown sugar. Despite the weight in some areas there are really good and surprising moments of lightness. It’s good. The finish is big, mouth filling and the higher alcohol is still evident as are the afore described flavours along with some nice dry oak notes. It’s very, very long and quite nice. After 10 minutes there’s a great malt moment out of the blue.

With water it is flattened out, don’t add any water, just suck it up at the higher strength buttercup, you can do it. Certainly a much more assertive dram than the wonderful prior bottlings but bring the stag back on the label you Muppets!  

C$65

Score 86 points

Visit Glen Garioch at www.glengarioch.com