Glen Garioch distillery is owned by Distell Group Limited, which is a South African-based spirits company. Distell Group owns several other distilleries and brands, including Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, Deanston, and Scottish Leader. Glen Garioch has a rich history and is one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland, dating back to 1797.
I had the opportunity to visit Glen Garioch distillery a few years ago, and it was a truly memorable experience. The distillery is located in the picturesque town of Oldmeldrum in the Highlands of Scotland. As soon as you walk through the doors, you can feel the history and tradition that surrounds the place.
One of the unique aspects of Glen Garioch is that they still have their own malting floor. This means that they malt a portion of their own barley on-site, which is a rarity in the whisky industry today. It gives them greater control over the quality and character of their spirit.
The distillery also has its own copper pot stills, which are used to distill the spirit. These stills are direct fired, meaning that the flames from the fire directly heat the stills, adding a layer of complexity and character to the spirit. This traditional method of distillation is becoming less common in the industry, as most distilleries now use indirect heating methods.
Glen Garioch is known for producing a range of whiskies with different styles and flavor profiles. They have both peated and unpeated expressions, with varying levels of smokiness. The distillery exclusive hand fill cask that I had the pleasure of tasting was a bourbon hogshead filled in 1991 and bottled in 2022. It was matured for over 30 years, resulting in a well-aged and complex whisky.
Upon pouring a dram, I noticed the beautiful golden hue of the whisky in the glass. The nose was filled with an array of aromas, including rich vanilla, honey, ripe fruits, and a hint of peat smoke. It was a lovely balance of sweet and smoky notes.
On the palate, the whisky was smooth and velvety, with flavors of caramel, toffee, oak spices, and a subtle earthiness from the peat. The mouthfeel was luxurious, coating the tongue with a lingering sweetness. The finish was long and satisfying, with a gentle warmth and a touch of smoke.
This Glen Garioch distillery exclusive hand fill cask was a true delight to experience. It showcased the distillery's craftsmanship and dedication to producing high-quality whiskies. The combination of the bourbon cask maturation, the direct firing of the stills, and the light touch of peat created a whisky that was full of character and complexity.
I highly recommend visiting Glen Garioch distillery if you ever have the chance. It's a wonderful place to learn about the whisky-making process, immerse yourself in the history of the distillery, and of course, sample some fantastic whiskies.