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Everything you need to know about Glen Garioch Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Glen Garioch 10 Year Old Whisky Equinox & Solstice Summer 2022£129.99 Inc VAT -
Glen Garioch 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Whisky 2000s£99.99 Inc VAT -
Glen Garioch 11 Year Old Highland Whisky 2012 Thompson Bros£69.95 Inc VAT -
Glen Garioch 1984 Highland Whisky Pre 1995£389.99 Inc VAT
A brief History
Glen Garioch, Highlands Region, Scotland. Founded in 1797.
Old School Highland with a Modern Twist
If you ever find yourself in Oldmeldrum, a little town in Aberdeenshire, you’re standing on whisky history. That’s where Glen Garioch (pronounced “Glen Geery”) lives — one of the oldest licensed distilleries in Scotland, tracing back to 1797. It’s been around so long, it saw Napoleon rise and fall. No joke.
Glen Garioch’s charm lies in its ability to balance tradition and innovation. It’s bold, robust Highland whisky — no nonsense, full of flavour, and not trying to be anyone else. The distillery went through a peatier phase in the mid-to-late 20th century, but nowadays it leans more into rich, malty, slightly spiced territory. Still warm and weighty, just without the full smoke-show.
It’s also proudly local. The distillery uses non-chill filtration, a short fermentation process, and keeps things tight-knit. There’s no huge PR machine here. Glen Garioch simply makes whisky for people who like whisky — big flavour, proper backbone, and a real sense of place.
Flavour Profile:
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| Fruity | Malty / Cereal | Spicy |
Glen Garioch is known for its full-bodied Highland style. Think spiced apples, toasted barley, and a whisper of heather honey. The older stuff can be surprisingly layered — with notes of nuts, herbs, and polished wood. There’s always a solid maltiness running through the core, giving it structure and warmth.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Malt / Biscuit / Toast |
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Apple / Pear |
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Honey |
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Oak / Wood Spice |
Popular Bottles from Glen Garioch
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Glen Garioch 12 Year Old – Rich and biscuity, with stewed fruit, cinnamon, and a little oak bite.
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Founder's Reserve – A younger expression that’s lively and malty, with a peppery snap.
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Vintage Releases (e.g., 1990, 1995) – These vary, but often show off dried fruits, sherry influence, and that bold, earthy Highland heart.
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Virgin Oak – Matured in virgin American oak casks, this one’s full-on spice, wood, and sweet creaminess.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Glen Garioch Distillery
Address: Distillery Road, Oldmeldrum, Inverurie, AB51 0ES, Scotland
 Open in maps |
 glengarioch.com |
 +44 (0)1651 873450 |
Visitor Centre
Yes – Glen Garioch has a cosy visitor centre and offers guided tours where you can see the process up close, and try some fantastic drams straight from the cask.
Opening Times:
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Monday to Sunday: 10am – 4pm
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Tours run at selected times; booking ahead is recommended.
Ownership & History
Current Owner:
- Beam Suntory (since 1994)
Previous Owners:
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Morrison Bowmore Distillers (1968–1994)
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William Sanderson & Son (early 20th century)
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Several independent owners going back to 1797
Despite being owned by a global company today, Glen Garioch still feels like a proper, rooted Highland distillery — no frills, just flavour.
Distillery Facts
Overview & History
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Located in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
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Founded in 1797, making it one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland.
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Historically used heavily peated malt, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Now owned by Beam Suntory.
Production
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Uses unpeated malt today, but retains a robust, old-style Highland character.
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Water comes from the Percock Hills springs.
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Traditional copper pot stills produce a weighty, textured spirit.
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Maturation focuses mainly on bourbon and sherry casks.
Whisky Style
Modern Glen Garioch typically shows:
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Malty, biscuity sweetness.
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Honey, toffee, and baked apple.
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Subtle spice and gentle oak.
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Oily, slightly waxy mouthfeel.
Older or historic peated versions were smoky and earthy.
Core Range
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Glen Garioch 12 Year Old – flagship; rich malt, honey, and spice.
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Glen Garioch Founder’s Reserve – lighter, younger style.
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Limited editions and vintage releases appear occasionally.
Significance
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Represents a traditional Highland malt style that bridges old and modern whisky making.
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Known for robust flavour rather than light, floral Speyside style.
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Highly regarded by drinkers who enjoy malty, characterful Scotch.
Glen Garioch Whisky to Buy
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