Underappreciated Glen Garioch gets a look in for Whisky Sponge Edition 37 and a 31 year old that has been matured in a refill hogshead that produced 201 bottles at 53.9% ABV.
Nose: Well waxed tables and lacquered panelling join underripe banana, greengage and gooseberry fool. Canvas sacking, whet stones and machine dust sit alongside golden tobacco, golden syrup and a single drop of vanilla extract. Water reveals a far leafier character with ferns, reeds and damp leaves alongside gooey caramel.
Taste: Papaya, mirabelles and lime lead into a wave of semi-industrialness with cracked leather seats, brake dust, lamp oil and black tea. Polished oak and hessian follow with dry oakiness in tow. Reduction offers simple syrup sweetness with brass polish and a dash of mango tropicalness.
Finish: Long with lime, tobacco and parchment paper.
Yet more proof (if anymore were needed) of the power of refill ex-bourbon. Here we have a detailed and expressive Glen Garioch that presents ample bright fruit-forward notes with palpable and welcome asides into the more ‘mechanised’ nature of the spirit – all of which are highly sympathetic to the overall composition.