Dram data:
Distillery: Glen Garioch
Bottler: Archives
Distilled: 28.12.1990
Bottled: 05.01.2012
Age: 21
Limitation: 267
Price at the time of purchasing: – (sample)
Casks: Hogshead
Alcohol: 54%
Uncoloured & Unchillfiltered
Whiskybase link
Tasting notes:
Colour: bright gold. On the nose I get an immediate impression of a fresh summer fruit basket. Red apples, pears, gooseberries, strawberries, plums. Malty vanilla pudding appears after some time as the fresh fruits fade away and the nose gets warmer, with oak spices appearing. The addition of water releases more malty flavours together with milk chocolate goodness. On the palate it has a mighty appearance due to the high alcoholic strength, fizzing on the tongue with sweet malt and spices. The addition of water tames the alcohol a little bit and releases more nutty, spicy, herbal notes with hints of leather. Malt sweetness paired with a pleasant bitterness – but I can’t detect any of the fruits I initially got on the nose. The finish is medium long with remnants of oak spices, malt and fresh straw lingering for some time.
Verdict:
This dram surprised me with its very versatile nose which went from fresh fruit basket to malty, spicy, chocolate notes in a matter of minutes. The palate could be a bit more intriguing to warrant 85+ points but still a good, enjoyable malt which doesn’t hide its 21 years in an oak cask.
Score:Â 84/100