2010 Glen Garioch 10 Year Old "Old Particular" K&L Exclusive Single Hogshead Cask Strength Highland Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

: I say it every year, but Glen Garioch is the best distillery no one is talking about. Old Particular seems to have a nice line on the distillery—we've been buying this for three years straight now and it just keeps getting better and better. The Glen Garioch character is one of the most unique malt driven spirits and this cask shows plenty of that gorgeous character, but more obviously pointed by the oak than last year's younger refill bourbon barrel. The color is pale gold. The classic, gorgeous salted oats and steeping barley tea nose are there, but dotted with some citrus, persimmon, and licorice. The palate is weighty and peppery, with almost gravel like minerality. With water some more salt coming out and more vanilla/oak—I've added two big (3ml) splashes and now the pepper on the palate has relented somewhat. Finally, it's offering great preserved lemon and a chewy texture. The high proof on this one works better at full strength than with just a dash or water, but swims very well and loves more than just a few drops. Overall a gorgeous, zingy, peppery, idiosyncratic Glen Garioch that's just perfect in its unique loveliness.