Introduction
I picked up Glen Garioch 12 Year Old on a recommendation from a fellow whisky enthusiast during a conversation about underrated Highland malts. I’ve tried a few offerings from the distillery before, but I hadn’t gone back to their core range in a while. At 48% ABV, this one promised more presence than many entry-level malts, and I was curious to see how the combination of bourbon and sherry casks played out after twelve years of maturation.
Nose
Right from the pour, the aroma had this soft, warming quality. There’s a clear cereal malt backbone that reminded me of warm bread dough, overlaid with autumnal orchard fruits—mostly baked apple and a touch of ripe pear. Hints of honey come through, not too sweet, and there’s just a touch of wood spice—nutmeg and a bit of dried orange peel. It’s not overly bold on the nose, but it’s layered and quite inviting when you give it time to open up.
Palate
On the palate, the 48% ABV brings some texture without overwhelming the flavour. It’s nicely balanced, with a creamy mouthfeel that accentuates the malty core. The fruitiness from the nose continues, but leans more toward stewed apples and sultanas now. There’s a gentle sherry-driven richness—not heavy-handed—paired with notes of toasted nuts and cloves. A faint herbal edge, like dried thyme, adds an extra layer of interest. Nothing about it shouts, but everything feels well-judged and carefully integrated.
Finish
The finish is moderately long, gently fading rather than dropping off. I found warming oak spices lingering—mainly cinnamon and pepper—with a dry nuttiness at the tail end. The sherry cask character lingers subtly, giving a faint echo of dried fruit and dark chocolate, but the malty and slightly earthy base carries through to the end. It’s satisfying without being intense.
Price and Value
Glen Garioch 12 Year Old tends to sit in the mid-£40 to £50 range, which feels fair considering the ABV and the quality of the casks used. It’s not a showstopper, but it’s a well-made, thoughtfully balanced whisky, and that goes a long way. If you’re into Highland styles with a touch more body than the typical 40% crowd, this is worth a spot on your shelf. It strikes me as a step above many mass-market 12-year-olds.
Background
Glen Garioch (pronounced "Geery") is one of Scotland’s easternmost distilleries, located in the town of Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire. It’s been around since 1797, making it one of the older distilleries still in operation. They’ve gone through a few changes over the years, including a stretch with lightly peated spirit before switching to unpeated production in the late '90s.
The 12 Year Old is part of their core range and is matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. That combined cask approach is evident in the whisky’s balance of fruit, spice, and malt character. For more on the distillery, their history, and their current range, you can visit the Glen Garioch Distillery website.
Final Notes
Would I buy this bottle again? Yes, especially as a reliable everyday dram that offers more than the average 12-year-old without trying too hard to impress. It’s consistent, enjoyable, and feels like it’s made with real care.
If you’re new to single malts, I’d say this is a good one to try once you’re a few bottles in. The higher strength might be a bit much right at the start, but it rewards patience and curiosity.
It’s a solid fit for cooler evenings or quiet conversations where you want something flavourful but not overpowering. Compared to other Highland malts, Glen Garioch has a malt-forward approach that stands apart from the more floral or honeyed profiles of others in the region. It doesn’t chase trends—it just delivers honest, well-made whisky.