Glen Garioch 23 years 1990 Signatory Vintage Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: East of the Highlands, Scottish Highlands.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation Date: April 9th, 1990.
Bottling Date: April 9th, 2013, making it a 23-year-old whisky.
Maturation: Aged in a hogshead cask, likely made from American oak, which is slightly larger than standard American barrels and holds approximately 250 liters.
ABV: 49.9%, chill-filtered but not colored.
Age Statement: 23 years.
Color and Clarity: Very light for its age.
Bottle Design: Specific design details not mentioned, but it is a single cask bottling, numbered as bottle 127 of 309.

Nose: Light and fruity with notes of pears, perhaps some peaches, developing vanilla, caramel, and a very distant spiciness. No peat or smoke detected.
Palate: Fruity and quite strong compared to the nose, with a prickling sensation at the tip of the tongue but not spicy. There's an intensity with a faint hint of oakiness and sweetness from the fruits.
Finish: Middle to long aftertaste with a little oakiness in the back, becoming more fruity over time.
Overall: An elegant single malt whisky that is straightforward and easy to sip, without any exotic influences or strong spiciness.

Glen Garioch, established in 1797, is one of the few distilleries from the 18th century. It went silent around 1994-1995 but was reactivated post-millennium, around 2008-2009.
The distillery has its own maltings but stopped producing malt on their own maltings by the time of the visit in 1994.
Glen Garioch is part of a conglomerate under Morrison-Bomor, alongside Bomor from the Isle of Islay and Ogontoshan from the Lowlands.

Glen Garioch's reactivation and the introduction of new bottlings like the Founders Reserve and the 12-year-old signify a revival and continued appreciation of traditional Scottish whisky-making practices in the Highlands.

"This is an interesting but very elegant single malt whisky. Interesting to nose and to taste, but not strong."
"It's quite straightforward, easy to sip and 23 years old. So it's not too expensive for such an old single malt whisky."

Glen Garioch 23 years 1990 Signatory Vintage is a single malt Scotch whisky from the Highlands, aged in a hogshead cask and bottled at 49.9% ABV.
It offers a light, fruity flavor profile with a straightforward, elegant character, making it easy to sip.
The distillery's rich history and its revival post-millennium add to the whisky's storytelling appeal.
This whisky is part of a limited single cask bottling, making it a unique find for collectors and enthusiasts.

Whisky Collectors: The limited nature of this single cask bottling makes it an attractive addition to any collection.
Highland Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a preference for Highland whiskies will appreciate its traditional character and elegant profile.
Experienced Sippers Seeking Value: Given its age and the nuanced, easy-drinking nature, it's recommended for seasoned whisky drinkers looking for an aged whisky at a reasonable price.