Glen Garioch distillery

Introduction to Glen Garioch

A distillery with passion for craft

Glen Garioch is a historic Scottish distillery nestled in the fertile lands of Aberdeenshire, representing one of Scotland’s oldest operating malt whisky producers. Pronounced “Glen Geery,” this Highland gem combines traditional craftsmanship with distinctive character, creating whiskies that speak eloquently of their northeastern Scottish heritage.

Located in the small town of Oldmeldrum, Glen Garioch benefits from the region’s fertile barley fields and pure water sources, elements that have helped shape its distinctive profile for over two centuries.

Why we have a soft spot for Glen Garioch

At Vault of Spirits, we treasure distilleries with a clear sense of identity and unwavering commitment to quality. Glen Garioch captures our attention through its harmonious balance of tradition and innovation.

We particularly appreciate their artisanal approach to whisky making, small-batch production methods, and distinctive non-peated Highland character that offers a complex, malty profile with subtle fruit notes and a delightful spicy finish.

The History Behind Glen Garioch

Origin and development

Glen Garioch was established in 1797, making it one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries. Founded by Thomas Simpson in the small market town of Oldmeldrum, the distillery began with a vision to create exceptional Highland malt using the region’s superior barley and pure water sources.

Throughout its long history, Glen Garioch has weathered changing ownership, periods of closure, and shifting whisky trends. The most significant recent chapter began in 1994 when the distillery was acquired by Suntory (now part of Beam Suntory), bringing renewed focus and investment to this historic producer.

The people behind

Today, Glen Garioch operates under the careful guidance of a dedicated team of craftspeople who balance respect for tradition with thoughtful innovation. Each team member contributes to maintaining the distillery’s reputation for producing characterful Highland malts.

The distillery’s relatively small scale allows for hands-on attention to detail throughout the production process, reflecting the team’s commitment to excellence and authenticity in every bottle produced.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Glen Garioch’s production begins with locally sourced malted barley, historically benefitting from the fertile farmlands of “The Granary of Aberdeenshire.” The distillery is known for its traditional direct-fired stills, which were reintroduced in recent years after a period using steam heating.

These direct-fired stills contribute to Glen Garioch’s robust character, creating more flavor compounds through the interaction between the copper and the spirits during distillation. The spirit runs through two copper pot stills with a distinctive shape that helps define the whisky’s character.

Maturation and aging

Maturation takes place primarily in American bourbon barrels and European sherry casks, allowing the spirit to develop complexity while drawing different characteristics from each type of wood. The Northeast Scotland climate, with its moderate temperature fluctuations, creates ideal conditions for steady, balanced maturation.

Glen Garioch’s warehouse maturation allows the whisky to develop its signature richness and depth, with expressions ranging from 12 years to special releases aged for decades. The distillery’s single cask offerings showcase the unique interaction between spirit and individual casks, providing enthusiasts with truly distinctive tasting experiences.

Selected Products from Glen Garioch

Glen Garioch 12 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This core expression perfectly introduces the distillery’s character. Matured in both bourbon and sherry casks, it delivers a harmonious balance of sweet malted barley, butterscotch, and heather honey, complemented by subtle spice and a hint of dried fruits.

With its velvety mouthfeel and medium body, the 12 Year Old offers an accessible yet complex experience that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned whisky enthusiasts alike.

Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve – A tribute to heritage

A non-age-statement offering that pays homage to the distillery’s founders, this expression showcases the robust character of Glen Garioch. Matured in bourbon casks, it presents a more intense profile with notes of vanilla, oak spice, and orchard fruits.

The higher ABV of 48% provides a more pronounced drinking experience with a warming, persistent finish featuring cracked black pepper and subtle dried fruit notes – perfect for those seeking to explore the distillery’s more assertive side.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Glen Garioch welcomes visitors to explore their historic premises through guided tours that showcase every aspect of their whisky-making process. The intimate scale of the distillery allows for an up-close experience of traditional Scottish whisky production methods.

Tour options typically include tastings of several expressions, allowing guests to appreciate the range and depth of Glen Garioch’s portfolio. The visitor center, housed in the original malt barn, provides a fascinating glimpse into the distillery’s rich heritage and continuing evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glen Garioch?

Glen Garioch is one of Scotland’s oldest operating single malt whisky distilleries, founded in 1797 in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire. It produces distinctive Highland malt whiskies characterized by their rich, malty character, balanced fruity notes, and subtle spice influence.

Where is Glen Garioch located?

The distillery is located in the small market town of Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire, Northeast Scotland. This region is known as “The Granary of Aberdeenshire” due to its fertile farmland, which has historically provided exceptional barley for whisky production.

What characterizes Glen Garioch whisky?

Glen Garioch is known for producing robust, full-bodied Highland malts with a distinctive malty backbone. Their whiskies typically feature notes of heather honey, butterscotch, and orchard fruits, balanced with warming spices and oak influence. The distillery’s traditional production methods, including direct-fired stills, contribute to their whisky’s distinctive character and complexity.

Where can I buy whisky from Glen Garioch?

Select bottles from Glen Garioch can be found at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our selection to include both their core range expressions and special releases, ensuring you have access to the finest representation of this historic distillery’s craftsmanship.