Glen Garioch 1978 Highland Single Malt Whisky

Product of: United Kingdom

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Distilled in 1978 and bottled without chill-filtration and at cask strength. Unusually for a 30-year-old whisky, the alcohol has either dropped by a mere 5.7% since filling or it was originally filled at a higher strength than today’s industry-standard 63.5%.

Back in the 1970s when this whisky was made, Glen Garioch was still malting at the distillery. According to ‘Digger’, the malt would have had a 10-11 hour peating and typically around 3/4 tonne of peated malt was used in every four tonnes of malt. Unsurprisingly, stocks of this whisky are very limited. (I bought my bottle at the distillery after tasting it, but it is also available from our friends at thewhiskyexchange.com).

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 04/04/2011

Appearance:

Clear, golden yellow with straw highlights.

Aroma:

Nose of honeyed peat with dry earthy aromas, vanilla and spice (nutmeg and cardamom), vanilla, fudge and ripe banana skins.

Taste:

Buttery, lightly peated with unctuous oaky notes overlaid with a wash of smoke, hints of aniseed, cinnamon and mace.

Aftertaste:

Vanilla, peaty finish.