Glen Garioch 10YO Reserve Cask (SMOS) Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (ABV48%)

Elixir Distillers is an independent bottler that released The Single Malts of Scotland range in 2002. This range consists of vintage single malt Scotch whiskies selected for their individual quality and character. Along with the classic single cask collection, the range includes the Director’s Special series personally selected by Sukhinder Singh, as well as two small-batch collections: the accessible Reserve Casks and the more mature Marriage of Casks.

A small batch of five barrels from Glen Garioch Distillery have been used to create this Highland Single Malt, distilled in 2012 and aged for 10 years. This is a chocolatey dram with essences of rose water and peach.

Nose – All sweet frangipane and buttery pastry up front, this dram has the nose of a beautifully flaky almond croissant. Rose water spritzes through the air, balancing the creamy sweetness with fresh floral notes. A heavier, earthier note – like wood after it rains – appears as a base note, but never overpowers.

Palate – Begins as soft, chewy caramels that open up to the white flesh of summertime peaches and wood spice. The buttery pastry on the nose has become more dense, like oat biscuits, on the palate.

Finish – This is a weighty dram and finishes like milk chocolate melting in your mouth. Rose water reappears as a final touch.