It has been over a decade since SMWS bottled Glen Garioch – so this month’s 19 is indeed a special treat. Matured in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel for 18 years and clocking in at a still reasonable intense 58.3% ABV.
Nose: Immediately expressive and vibrant with pears poached in brandy with cinnamon sticks, anise and pink peppercorns. Tonka bean paste is joined by soured white chocolate, whilst preserved lemons are served alongside a selection of pastries, buns and granary breads. Dilution presents night jasmine together with lemon crepes – all rather perfumed at this point.
Taste: Lots going on. White grapes and gooseberry fool sit with lemon gel, whilst chestnut puree join wine gum sweetness and another selection of baked goods that this time includes cinnamon buns, malt loaf and griddled waffles. Water offers Chantilly cream and syrupy tinned fruits alongside both salt and pepper seasoning.
Finish: Medium with spent espresso beans, fading orchard fruits and spicy cask char.
A bottling which will more than likely lead to calls for 19.51 to appear sooner than 2031. Animated and vivid throughout and offering quality both neat, and particularly when reduced, where the underlying Glen Garioch distillate is really allowed to shine through. Recommended.