Glen Garioch 27 Year Old 1998 (Thompson Bros.) 70cl Whisky

Drawn from what was purchased as a first-fill sherry butt, this 1998 Glen Garioch turned out to be far more intriguing than expected. The moment it arrived, its pale hue and aroma made it clear this wasn’t a typical oloroso or PX-seasoned cask. Instead, the whisky showed the bright, saline, almost delicate profile associated with first-fill Fino sherry. This 27-year-old is a fascinating lesson in distillate character meeting unexpected wood, and the result is beautifully harmonious. With only 597 bottles from the cask, it’s a rare chance to taste a long-aged Glen Garioch shaped by a lighter style of sherry.