Introduction
I picked up the Glen Garioch 12 Year Old because I’ve been meaning to explore more Highland malts beyond the usual big names. This bottle caught my eye for its use of both bourbon and sherry casks, which usually hints at some layered complexity. I didn’t come in expecting peat or heavy char—you don’t get that from Glen Garioch these days—but I was hoping for a solid, well-rounded dram with a bit of character.
Nose
Pouring it into the glass, the nose opened quite softly. There’s a touch of green apple straight off, followed by a light floral edge—heather and hay come to mind. After a minute or two, richer aromas develop: baked pear, honey, and a faint waxy texture that reminds me a little of beeswax. There’s also some subtle spice—something like nutmeg or cinnamon—but it’s tucked in neatly. Not an overpowering nose by any means, but clean and inviting.
Palate
On the palate, it sticks to that gentle complexity. The texture is fairly light but not thin—there’s a bit of oiliness to give it presence. Sweet malt hits first, followed by caramel, dried apricot, and toasty cereal notes. Mid-palate, it shifts toward those spice elements I caught on the nose. There’s clove and oak, but nothing aggressive. The sherry influence is delicate: more fruitcake and baked apple than raisin or dark chocolate. It’s not bold, but everything hangs together well.
Finish
The finish is modest in length, but smooth and clean. A touch of peppery spice lingers on the tongue—white pepper and nutmeg, mostly—alongside a dry oak note and some lingering orchard fruit. The sweetness fades first, and what remains is more herbal and woody. It’s easygoing throughout, with no harsh edges.
Price and Value
I paid just under £45 for this bottle, which feels reasonable considering the quality and age. You're not getting fireworks, but there's something to appreciate in how balanced and approachable it is. It’s honestly a whisky I’d feel comfortable giving to anyone just getting into single malts, but it’s also nuanced enough for more experienced drinkers to enjoy as a casual dram.
Background
Glen Garioch is one of Scotland’s older distilleries—dating back to 1797—and it sits in the eastern Highlands near the town of Oldmeldrum. While they used to produce more peated expressions, the modern style has moved toward unpeated, warmer profiles. The 12 Year Old is their entry point single malt, matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. It’s also bottled at 48% ABV, which is a nice surprise and gives it a bit more depth than many standard 40% offerings. You can learn more about their range and heritage on the Glen Garioch website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? I think so—it’s one of those whiskies that doesn’t demand attention but rewards it if you're paying close enough. For anyone new to scotch, it's a very safe and enjoyable first step into single malts, with nothing too sharp or overwhelming. If you're looking for a moment to drink this, I’d say it works well at the end of a long day—something mellow but still interesting. As for comparisons, it's softer and fruitier than some other Highland staples like Dalwhinnie or Blair Athol, and far gentler than anything you'll find from the west coast. It's not a loud whisky, but it knows what it's doing.