Introduction
I’ve always found Glen Garioch to be a bit underrated in the world of Highland whiskies, so picking up the 12 Year Old felt like the right kind of experiment. I wanted something approachable in terms of both flavour and price—something with a touch of character but not overly demanding. I wasn’t expecting flamboyance; I was looking for balance, clarity, and maybe a bit of traditional Highland weight. This bottle ended up ticking more boxes than I anticipated.
Nose
Right off the pour, the aroma was clean but expressive. The main notes reminded me of stewed apples and barley sugar, with a bit of lemon zest cutting through the sweetness. After a few minutes in the glass, it opened up further—soft cereal grains, gentle oak, and a floral influence that added some lightness. I picked up a faint waxy note in the background too, like beeswax or polished wood, which gave it a slightly old-school feel.
Palate
The palate leaned drier than what the nose suggested. I noticed baked apples and malty undertones, joined by a spiced mid-palate that hinted at cinnamon and ginger. There’s a touch of richness from the sherry casks, coming through as sultanas and a bit of toffee, but it never feels heavy or syrupy. Structurally, the whisky holds itself well—pleasant weight, well-rounded mouthfeel, and just enough oak to give it some backbone without masking the brighter flavours.
Finish
The finish is medium in length and leans clean rather than creamy. Lingering signs of dried fruit carry over from the palate, joined by a dry pepper note and a touch of roasted nuts. There’s a brief flicker of citrus right at the end—more like grapefruit pith than zest. Nothing too showy, but it’s tidy and satisfying, pulling together the sippable nature of the whisky with a closing touch of spice.
Price and Value
Considering the age and quality, Glen Garioch 12 Year Old feels attractively priced. It hits that sweet spot of being structured and flavoursome without asking for too much commitment—financial or otherwise. For a bottle that’s been matured in both ex-bourbon and sherry casks, you get a nice balance of freshness and depth. It's a solid value for those looking to branch out into Highland whiskies with some nuance.
Background
Located in the small town of Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire, Glen Garioch is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries. Pronounced “Glen Geery,” it had a period of closure in the 1990s but has since made a strong return, with a growing reputation for producing robust, traditional-style Highland malts. The 12 Year Old is part of their core range and matured in a combination of American oak and Oloroso sherry casks. You can read more about the distillery at the Glen Garioch website.
One thing I appreciate is that it’s bottled at 48% ABV, unchillfiltered, giving it that richer texture and flavour concentration that often gets lost at lower strengths. There’s intention here, not just in the flavour profile but in how the whisky has been presented.
Final Notes
Would I pick up another bottle? Absolutely. It’s versatile enough for casual sipping but has just enough complexity to keep things interesting over time. For those just getting into Scotch, this might sit on the more structured side, but it remains accessible and balanced without being too rich or peated.
It’s a good whisky for cooler evenings, or as something to pour when I want a dram that doesn’t get in its own way. Does it represent the Highland style well? I think so—it brings in fruit, malt, light spice, and a clean structure you can rely on.
If you’re wondering how this compares to other Highland options, I’d say Glen Garioch brings a bit more firmness and less sweetness than something like Dalmore 12, and more natural character than many of the milder blends. And yes, this is one of those bottles where I don’t feel the need to pair it with anything—it does enough on its own.