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Glen Garioch is the easternmost distillery in the Scottish Highlands. One of the country’s oldest distilleries is operated by Morrison Bowmore Distillers, owned by Japan’s Suntory. Brand drinks are distinguished by a velvety structure and an interesting taste, which combines shades of fruit and heather honey. The line of permanent products includes whiskey aged 12 and 15 years, as well as vintage releases, which are quickly snapped up by connoisseurs of the brand.
Historical information
The Glen Garioch distillery was founded in 1797 by the Manson brothers. The family was engaged in agriculture, trade and leather dressing. The production complex was located in the city of Oldmeldrum and included a brewery, a distillery and a tannery. The best barley in Scotland was traditionally grown in these parts, so the Manson spirits were of high quality.
In 1837, the management of the distillery passed into the hands of the second generation of the family. The son of one of the founders, John Manson, opened another tobacco factory in the city. The family owned the distillery until 1884, when the company was sold to JG Thomson & Co. Two years later, Baron William Sanderson acquired a 50% stake in Glen Garioch.
The distillery was owned by an aristocratic family for a long time, but a drop in demand led to the fact that in 1933 the plant was bought by Booth’s Distilleries Ltd. With the outbreak of World War II, the enterprise was mothballed and resumed work only after the end of hostilities. In 1968, the owners faced a shortage of water. A new source was found only four years later, since then the volume of alcohol production has only grown.
Until 1995, the distillery produced a heavily peaty, heavy-tasting whiskey that was used in blends. This was followed by a short break for two years, after which the range was completely renewed. Currently, the distillery is owned by the Japanese holding Beam Suntory and produces premium single malt whiskey with a long aging period.
Production features
Water for the plant comes from several sources flowing in the Percock Hills. The company continues to source the finest Aberdeenshire-grown barley, although the malthouse closed in 1979.
The plant has two copper stills of a special design – a short and thick base goes into a very long neck. As a result of distillation, very rich and dense spirits are obtained with a spicy taste characteristic of highland whiskey. In the warehouse, barrels are stored in three rows, bourbon and Spanish sherry containers are used. The production capacity of the plant is designed to produce 1 million whiskey per year.
Interesting Facts
- Baron William Sanderson had to endure the most difficult times in the history of the distillery – in the 20s, due to high duties, whiskey consumption in Scotland decreased five times. The situation was aggravated by the introduction of Prohibition in the United States. Sanderson hoped to the last that the ban would be lifted, but he died in 1929. His son Kenneth got rid of the unprofitable enterprise in early 1933, and eight months later the ban was lifted, and the demand for whiskey skyrocketed.
- The creamy structure of Glen Garioch whiskey goes well with aged cheeses. In 2017, the company launched a joint project with the Meldrum House Hotel – guests of the company are offered special tastings of the brand’s best drinks, accompanied by gourmet types of cheddar, roquefort and parmesan.
Types of whiskey Glen Garioch
Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve, 48%
Whiskey released in honor of the founders of the distillery – the Manson brothers and aged in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. The amber-colored drink is characterized by the aroma of sweet spices, green apple and grapefruit. The taste is oily, apple, vanilla and citrus shades are felt.
Glen Garioch 12 Years Old, 48%
Whiskey dark amber color with a dense structure. The aroma mixes the smells of malt, honey, spices and flowering heather. The flavor bouquet is complex: creme brulee and ripe bananas dominate at the start, then shades of pear, leather and oak join them. The finish is long and creamy. Pairs well with parmesan – the dryness and sharpness of the cheese emphasize barley and fruity notes in the taste of whiskey.
