Glen Garioch 14 years 2010 - 2025 Benchmark

Glen Garioch, one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries, is known for its robust Highland style. This 14-year-old single malt, distilled in 2010 and bottled in 2025 for Murray McDavid’s Benchmark series, was finished in a Pedro Ximénez sherry cask from the prestigious Ximénez-Spínola bodega in Spain. The marriage of muscular spirit and luxurious sherry influence results in a rich, spicy and velvety dram, bottled naturally at 51.6%.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Deep and aromatic with notes of dried figs, raisins and dark honey. Background aromas of tobacco, cedarwood and mocha, with a subtle touch of balsamic and orange peel.

Palate

Full and rich with a silky texture. Flavours of dates, dark chocolate and PX reduction blend beautifully with cinnamon, clove and toasted oak. The sherry influence is intense yet perfectly balanced.

Finish

Long and warming with lingering notes of dark fruit, soft spice and an elegant touch of old wood and cocoa.

Glen Garioch Distillery

Glen Garioch Distillery is located in the historic village of Oldmeldrum in Aberdeenshire, in the Eastern Highlands of Scotland. Founded in 1797 by John and Alexander Manson, Glen Garioch is one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland, with a rich history of artisanal whisky production.

The distillery is known for its full-bodied, malty whiskies with a robust and complex flavour profile. Glen Garioch whiskies have characteristic notes of honey, toffee, spices and a subtle smoke, thanks to the use of lightly peated barley in the production process.

The whisky is mainly matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, ensuring a deep and rich flavour. Glen Garioch combines traditional techniques with a strong focus on quality, making it a respected name among whisky connoisseurs.