1998 Adelphi Glen Garioch 18 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Most Scotch Whisky distilleries have chequered pasts to say the least, but Glen Garioch (pronounced Glen 'geery') must rank as one of the most colourful (see other entries on this website for the full history). The distillery is located just outside the centre of Meldrum, Aberdeenshire, in Scotland's far east Highlands and takes its name from the Garioch Valley which provides shelter ideal for agriculture, and in particular the production of high-quality barley. This release was drawn from a first fill Spanish oak ex-Sherry hogshead (cask no. 3739) that yielded 241 bottles.

Tasting note: Flawless copper penny colour with thick legs. Drier styled aromas of flourless orange cake, pepper and hints of raisin slice. Five minutes exposure adds a dollop of brandy sauce and emphasises muted baklava-like notes. Warming bittersweet attack; fruit cake and orange zest. Quite mouthwatering to finish as flavours of spiced orange cake, vanilla, late ginger bread and trace sulphur carry the aftertaste. Medium long. Great poise at this high ABV. 57.5% Alc./Vol.

Notes from Adelphi... Deep polished mahogany, magenta lights. Moderate beading. Mellow, rich and rounded; lightly nose-drying. Dried fruits (sultanas, raisins, figs); Marsala wine. Trace of nuts (toasted flaked almonds). A burnt Seville orange marmalade (somewhat bitter) nose in base. All quite subtle. Smooth texture, mouth-filling, sweet and sour; mulled wine, sangria; tannic dry overall, with some powdered ginger lingering. Some struck match in the finish.