Whisky review : Glen Garioch, 12 years old, bottled @ 48%

Whisky review : Glen Garioch, 12 years old, bottled @ 48%


-Non chill-filtered
-ex bourbon and sherry cask
-bottled at 48%
-simple sober packaging, very nice strong bottle !
-owned by Bowmore

Colour: light coppery, oily, but not too much. I would believe, considering the colour's tone that this is sherry influenced and not caramel.

Nose: warm, musty sweet fruits, bitter tea notes, notes of the Still..reminds me of some Irish Whisky. Otherwise spirity, a bit robust here...

Mouth: immense fruits, bourbon sweetness,  touches of chili, very warm, but not harsh, light pears, honey, vanilla, get some of the sherry notes, very high but sweet sherry notes, mixed with honey. Hot cherries, Very interesting malt indeed. Very close to the Glenlivet 15 in this regard, but more aggressive in the delivery for sure. With water, this malt opens up to a more gentle dram. Softer, richer fruits, chili....long chili tingling though nothing unpleasant. It gets thicker and fruitier, very oily and dense.Touches of cocoa (light) and distant yet present peat. Isn't weird ?

Finish, acidic reflex of fruits, honey, cherries, some of the bitter notes, apple juice. Longer on the sweet and cherry, and fruity notes. Quite nice.

A for the price. At 64,75$ (SAQ), it's worth looking out for. It's in the ''decent priced'' ranged for a 12 years old bottled above 40%.
A- for the taste. It's a good price/value whisky for sure. However, except the 48%, it does not have a real personality to offer. Once watered down, one could easily confuse it with a Glenlivet 15 or 16. In this regard, it gives us a very matured 12 years old.
A for presentation. It's got a ''recycled'' style to it but at the same time, it keeps it's clean appealing look. Well done.