Glen Garioch
Glen Garioch, one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, is located in the heart of Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, and has been producing single malt Scotch whisky since 1797. The name Glen Garioch derives from “glen” meaning valley and “Garioch,” a local word that means granary, which refers to the region’s agricultural history as a storehouse for threshed grain.
The distillery has a fascinating history that is worth exploring. In 1968, the water source for the distillery dried up, which caused a major problem for the production of whisky. However, the distillery manager discovered a silent spring under a nearby farm, which became the new water source and was named “The Silent Spring.” This incident proved the importance of water in whisky production and highlighted the lengths that distillers go to ensure the quality of their product.
Glen Garioch has been pivotal in the development of the whisky industry.
It was among the first to receive a legal license to produce whisky in 1785, following the passing of the Excise Act.
Initially run by the Manson family, who were farmers, the distillery remained in their possession for generations. In 1970, it was acquired by Stanley P. Morrison, ensuring its future and allowing it to continue producing some of the finest whiskies in Scotland to this day.
Morrison merged with the whisky giant, Bowmore, in 1994, and the company was later acquired by Suntory in 1994, which ultimately led to the formation of Beam Suntory.
Glen Garioch offers a range of single malt whiskies, with the 12-year-old expression being a particular highlight. It is unpeated and matured in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, which gives it a unique flavor profile. On the nose, it offers vanilla and dried fruit notes, while on the palate, honey and oak come forward, with a finish of raisin, pepper, and cinnamon.
Why you should visit this lovely distillery?
If you are planning to visit Glen Garioch, you will not be disappointed. The distillery offers tours that give visitors a glimpse into the distilling process and the history of the distillery. The tour starts with an introduction to the distillery’s history, followed by a guided walk through the production process, and finally, a tasting of some of the whiskies produced at Glen Garioch.
The distillery produces a range of whiskies, including a 12-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a 20-year-old, all of which are matured in oak casks. In addition, there are some limited-edition expressions, such as the Renaissance, which was released in 2010 to celebrate the distillery’s 200th anniversary.
Philosophy
Glen Garioch is known for producing full-bodied, unpeated whiskies, which are matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. The distillery’s philosophy is to produce traditional Highland malts that showcase the rich history and heritage of the region. The use of local barley, water, and traditional methods of production all contribute to the unique flavor profile of Glen Garioch whiskies.
Style
In terms of style, Glen Garioch whiskies are complex and nuanced, with a range of flavors that develop over time. The unpeated nature of the whiskies means that they are not as smoky or peaty as some other Scottish whiskies, which allows the flavors of the malt and the casks to shine through. The use of sherry casks gives the whiskies a fruity and spicy character, while the bourbon casks impart notes of vanilla and oak.
In conclusion, a visit to Glen Garioch is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history and production of Scotch whisky. The distillery’s range of whiskies offers a unique taste of the Highland region, and the tour provides an insight into the distilling process that has been used for over two centuries. The distillery’s commitment to traditional methods and local ingredients ensures that Glen Garioch will continue to produce high-quality single malt whiskies for years to come.
Contact
If you wish to contact Glen Garioch distillery, you can do so via their website, email, or phone. Their website, https://www.glengarioch.com/, provides information about their range of whiskies, distillery tours, and history. You can also fill out a contact form on their website to send a message directly to their team.
If you prefer to email, their email address is [email protected]. Alternatively, you can call their visitor center at +44 (0)1467 632 004. Their address is: Glen Garioch Distillery, Distillery Road, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie AB51 0ES, United Kingdom.