You may have seen my ‘mystery sample’ posts about this on my Facebook page. It is the upcoming Glen Garioch Vintage 1999, a small batch release matured in Oloroso sherry casks, which is not too common for Glen Garioch.
Glen Garioch 1999
(56,3%, OB 2013, sherry matured)
Glen Garioch 1999Nose: very aromatic, with orange zest and mint. In the middle there is lots of toffee. Hints of red berry candy and plums. Butter caramel and hazelnuts covered in milk chocolate. Some pepper and cinnamon. Subtle hints of hay. This kind of sherry reminds me of Glenrothes and Dalmore, with a few hints of rubber.
Mouth: punchy and spicy, with lots of toffee again. Figs and dates too. Oranges. Plenty of spices like ginger and pepper. Some resinous notes and eucalyptus, even a light salty edge. Better than the nose.
Finish: long, on liquorice, Seville oranges and toffee.
This Glen Garioch takes the path of ‘modern’, spicy and slightly tangy sherry influence. I may not be the biggest fan, but it does represent the Highlands style pretty well. Not sure when it will be available and how much it will cost, Glen Garioch will probably reveal more details later.
Score: 84/100