Vegetable Crackers? | Glen Garioch 12 REVIEW
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- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- I've got a single malt scotch whisky from the Glen Garioch distillery today. This is their famous 12 year old. I'll taste it and give you my thoughts. Cheers!
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Scores:
0-75 - Crap
75-79 - For cocktails & people you don't like
80-82 - Not bad
83-85 - Getting good here
86-89 - Delicious
90-94 - Awesome
95-100 - Cowabunga Dudes
Music: freemusicarchive.org/music/Ke...
As Ralfy said.."Reminds me of when Macallan was good"....😂🥃
I cheered you when you named Craigellachie 13 as whisky of the year and I will cheer you again here ( I’ve been enjoying the Glen Garioch 12 for years). So we disagree. I’m actually glad about that because it shows me that you are honest! I appreciate your perspective. It doesn’t go unnoticed by me when a review comes out by someone and is quickly followed by several similar reviews. Keep up the great reviews! I appreciate your insight to whisky, your creative approach and unwavering honesty! Slainte! { I’m sipping a glen garioch 12 now searching for vegetable cracker notes heehee}
Thank you, James. A lot of people seem to think that they need to agree with a reviewer because it validates their opinion, and that's just not the case. Reviewers are nothing more than references offering up our completely subjective opinions. If I disagree with an opinion or a score from a reviewer that I trust, that's still input that I find useful. Cheers buddy! 🥃
This has been described as an old style, unpolished whisky and I think if you approach it with that in mind it is enjoyable. Solid blue collar whisky that changes in the bottle when sipped slowly over months/years. A working man's dram!
Great description. Glad you're a fan!
At 43 € / $44.5 USD in my market - this was an easy pick-up; no fireworks but on a quiet evening when you want something less complex but more interesting than the average, it fits the bill. Has some old skool vibes about - an honest and quite engaging little dram when you are in the right mood. I'll be looking at the 15 YO and 17 YO in future based on the vid and comments here - probably some hidden gems to be found there. :)
It's interesting, characterful, 48%, ncf, and affordable. There's so much going for this stuff. Ultimately, though, whisky is a visceral experience, and this one simply isn't my cup of tea. Plenty of very experienced people have chimed in here saying how much they love this stuff, and they know their s**t! All just a matter of taste! Cheers Declan. 🥃
Thanks again for your Effort to do this Video and thanks for your straight Words.
It's a pleasure! Drinking and talking about whisky hardly feels like effort! Cheers Balkonwhisky! 🥃
This is available in Alberta for $66 so for me it is a terrific value and is one of my favorites
That’s what I love about your reviews. Well formatted and knowing very well what to expect.
I have access to plenty of Glen Garioh single casks at cask strength for around $50 compared to the 12 year OB at $80 😂
Thanks for the kind words, IP! Sounds like there's not much incentive for you to buy the 12 then! I've never had the pleasure of trying a GG single cask. Intriguing! 🥃
A little taken aback by the score for this one, but suppose that shows how subjective this all can be.
For me this was a 90 or 91 - complex, well balanced and loads of interest. Plus pretty good value bearing in mind the ABV.
Yeah a lot of people here seem to love it. I'm in the minority. On paper it's totally something I'd go for, but I just don't seem to connect with it...
Hi Geoff. I haven't had this one for a while either but I do remember it having just enough pleasant oddball notes to elevate it slightly above other standard, run of the mill offerings. But not quite enough to make it a regular purchase ;-) Your notes sound very much like what I experienced though. You make a good point about wanting to try typically sherried whisky without the sherry. Sometimes it works well, sometimes it just doesn't but it's always interesting and worthwhile. Thanks for the review.
You've summed up my thoughts nicely. Odd and unique enough to elevate it, but not a buy-again. Still, while I've got it, it's certainly good enough to enjoy. I'm a bit surprised you weren't so taken with it. I'd have thought you'd be a fan. Hopefully you try it again at some point and give us a review! 🥃
Great review! Flavor is what it is. I was sipping something the other day and clearly tasted fresh McDonalds French Fries 🤷♂
Ah, the McMalt. Mass-marketed swill if you ask me. 😉
I wish Glen Garioch would just put out an older age stated offering instead of say, their Virgin Oak No. series. As you have mentioned, a 15 year old first fill bourbon barrel matured at 48% would be an awesome offering.
Glen garioch 15,is on the market in Europe 90 euro
Glen Geeeerryy!!!! 🥃 🥴
The first time I tried this the herbal and sherried flavors really stood out. I'm fond of this one partly because of the herbal character but also as it was one of early whisky experiences when I asked for the price of a dusty bottle in a grocery store and the fellow in charge gave it to me for under $30. I'll have to try it again to see if I can get the cracker notes. Instead of the 15yo sherried (I got a bit of sulfer on that one), I'd go for the Renaissance 17 Chapter 3 or the 16 Chapter 2. Whisky Jason has reviews of those that are worth checking out.
As I mentioned, I can see the appeal. Matter of taste. This is no doubt a quality whisky with some serious character!
I gave this one 91 points. Very good whisky.
Glad you're a fan!
What he said Geoff, sorry. A belter!
I agree with your take upon first taste - more bitter notes than expected. I'm not finding the appeal, or even many of the sweeter notes described in other reviews. Many have suggested adding water, which does make a difference. I'm giving the opened bottle some time to develop, and will revisit. Good, honest review.
Yeah I tried it with water too. It helps, but it's still far from a favourite. Glad I'm not alone. Hope your bottle opens up and you start to enjoy it more. Cheers! 🥃
Amazing to see how widely pricing varies around the world! I had the 12 too many years ago to recall but the herbal and bitter notes u describe do actually pique my interest for their unusualness BUT I’d rather dip my toe in without that price tag so any recs for similar taste at lower buy-in?
Similar taste to this? Nothing springs to mind. For me this has a particularly herbal and vegetal profile, which is something you don't see too often. Another distillery that has an "herbal" character would be Longmorn, but you won't much from them at a lower buy-in. Sorry, Marc, you've got me stumped! 🥃
Rightly mentioned, the 15-year is very different and also very good. The best Glen Garioch I have is the 17-year renaissance. It is excellent. I think the 12-year is fine. A bit beige but a good whisky. 83!? Knowing your socring, a bit too low?
I was a bit surprised myself. It might be a batch variation thing. I don't know if GG12 is prone to variation, but I remember enjoying my previous bottles more than this one. Going off of memory, probably closer to 85 or so.
Mr G ..Your wrong ..Cos I really like it 🥊..Joking 👍
I happen to think it’s pretty good , but your right , we can’t all agree all the time , thankfully ..Taste is personal .
Now
Glen Garioch .The Renaissance 17 year old ..THAT is pure quality ( IMO ) bought it love it , bought 4 more as it’s not too easy to locate .
Worth a try if available to you 🥃
Keep up the great reviews mate 👍
Yeah, I guess I got it all wrong. Happens a lot! 😂
I've had the 17 before and it was good! You're right... it seems pretty hard to find now. I haven't seen it at a shop in ages. Cheers my friend!
I didn´t like my bottle in the begining. But i really enjoy it now. There is an earthy tone i really enjoy. Cheers buddy!
Glad you enjoy it. It is earthy! 🥃
Despite its' rough edges, the appeal of this one to me is a solid, unpretentious jobbing old-school Scotch that delivers big flavours for very little money. Find me another (ok mostly) craft presented age-stated single malt for $50 CAD! At that price you can use it in cocktails, you can even throw a couple ice cubes on it (gasp!) and it holds up nicely due to the higher abv. Not to mention a good bottle for offering to folks that don't enjoy smoky whisky to a gentle peat. And FYI that bottle design is drunk-proof! Just try to tip it over! My two bits.
True. It's affordable, characterful, 48%, and non-chill filtered. On paper it's a winner in my book, too. However whisky is a visceral experience. Above and beyond any of the formal criteria, I need to enjoy the experience. I don't think it's bad by any means, it's just a character that isn't for me. I'm glad so many people in the comments enjoy it, though. If the character suits you, it's definitely a great deal! Cheers Lewis!
@@Gwhisky That's what it's all about! Yeah it's not one I particularly savor or anything. No "reachability" as you would say, which is a great whisky descriptor btw. Channel keeps getting better and funnier cheers bud!
This is a good one for me but Its not one i would have on the shelf at all times but would re-buy from time to time. I wouldnt compare it to heavy sherried stuff like Glendronach or Tamdhu. I see it as a whisky that holds a mirror up to stuff like Balvenie 12 doublewood that has been resting on its laurels for a long time. I found Garioch12 heavy on the menthol but takes water very well.
Menthol... good catch! I definitely get that in there, too! I'd agree that it's closer to the Double Wood in profile, albeit better. I'm not a big Double Wood fan, personally. I'm glad you get more out of it than me. I can at the very least appreciate how characterful it is! Cheers Greig!
Thank for this whiskey... 12
I bought 5 bottle's
It's fantastic classic whiskey 🥃
It's budget whiskey, one liter coast me 45€ here in Denmark..
This whiskey is unmistakable
Not my personal favourite, but it's quality stuff and very characterful. Glad you enjoy. Cheers! 🥃
Hi Geoff! I wholeheartedly agree, GG12 is a very interesting and different take on your typical sherried whisky. Reminded me of a very fruity but slightly bitter sangria when I had a bottle about 2 years ago. I now have the GG 18 Renaissance Chapter 4, I'm only a few drams in, but it's another whisky that takes a little getting used to. Not quite what I expected. Very oaky, verging on cedar, spicy and more bitter than sweet. Figured I'd give it a try since I did enjoy the 12 and the 18 looked like a good deal at 150$ CAD and 50.2% abv. Seems the 17 year old Chapter 3 is the best of the bunch.
Wow I didn't even know there' a Chapter 4 available! I tried the Chapter 3, and it was good stuff. CAD $150 for an 18 year old with a decent abv sounds like a good deal. I don't know if it'll be the case for you, but my 17 did improve with time. You might find yourself enjoying that bottle more down the line. Fingers crossed! 🤞
@@Gwhisky Thanks, I hope so too! It's not a bad bottle, just very different from anything I've tasted so far.
@@peterruffolo700 Hey there, Peter. I think (now I may be wrong) that you got the "Chapter 3 being the best" from whisky Jason's review, as he picked the 3 too. Upon your comment, I am now currently sipping back to back chapter 3 and 4. Chapter 3 is wonderful, sweet, voluptuous, and tasty, but 4 is in a whole new category, and is subtly different, but so much is going on in that subtly. 4 is a philosopher who one needs to understand and develop themselves for. I have 4 4's! I'm on my 2nd 4, I got an AMAZING deal of Chapter 4 as a result of a price error here in Manitoba. We spent AFTER TAX - $90 a bottle! And they flew off the shelves! Fortunate for me, I have now gotten to know chapter 4 very well, and it is in a class of it's own. Thoroughly satisfying leaving nothing to be desired. You MUST slow down with this bottle or you'll miss the entire story of the nose and palate development. It is superb, but of course, still, every palate is different. The oakiness is no jokiness, and that's where so much wisdom in this whisky lies. It for me, has beat many contenders. As for this 12, I love it. Maybe I am just in the GG camp, but I'm happy to be there since I'm a happy GG camper. Cheers!
Hi Geoff, the GG12 doesn't set the heather on fire but I do like it as an honest, affordable dram.
In my experience, half a teaspoon of water will push back the dominant bitter notes and make it more rounded on the palate.
Give it a try!
Best regards from Germany
I tried it with and without water. There's something about the GG12 character that I simply don't connect with. It's odd, because so many people here think it's fantastic. Matter of taste I guess. Best regards from Taiwan!
Even a full teaspoon or more will do nicely.
I like the 12 and actually get more sweet pare as it oxidizes. I am starting to enjoy the 17 yo as it oxidizes too. But the best I have is Glen Garioch 1999 Chateau Lagrange Wine Cask Matured (bottled 2018). Good review, thanks
.
I've never seen or even heard of that release, although I've heard there are some really cool GG vintage offerings out there. Sounds fantastic!
Good to hear. I had a similar experience as Jeff's... those vegetal/herbal notes didn't sit well with me. I tried and I tried and now I decided to put the bottle aside for a while, maybe come back to it in a year. We'll see how it goes. Not bad by any means, but for me, at least now, it just doesn't work. Had a similar experience with Talisker 10, although unlike the GG, at first I really enjoyed it but as time went on I realized there's something about the Talisker that didn't sit well with me.
Great review. I feel like I want some vegetable crackers now. I’m not 100% I know what they are though ha. Maybe we call them something weird over here.
sɹǝʞɔɐɹɔ ǝlqɐʇǝƃǝʌ
Does that help? 😂
@@Gwhisky perfect 👍. All makes sense now 😂
In whisky we do say cult following but it is usually only to refer to the cult of Ardbeg!
I've got a 1L bottle of it open and I also managed to secure 2 bottles of the 15 Sherry. I believe the 15 Sherry is discontinued so hopefully you find some
Nice stash! Let's hope I can find a 15 for myself and join the fun! 🤞
Ok Mr. ... me and you need to have some words! Just kidding. That was a good honest review! For me, I had this one against the new Glenallachie 12, and it (The Garioch) beat it. In fact, it beats most whiskies if not all in its price range for me. I guess it comes down to one's desired profile. While I really enjoy the Allachie 12, and in fact, I recognize the "quality" of it is a shade more sophisticated then the G-Garioch, for me it's just too ... "friendly and fruity", while the G-Garioch is just beefier, darker, and grumpier, and doesn't give a sh*t ....ish. I love the sweetness in the after taste of the GG12, and I detect zero bitterness, and as well, sadly, zero veggie crackers, but I do get this mustiness. The GG is thoroughly satisfying for me, and while not mind blowing, I wouldn't want it to be, not for what it is, especially at such a value (in Alberta, it's around 50 something dollars!)
Amazing how we're all so different. Also, interesting you give it an 83. In the whisky community, everything seems to happen in the "80"s scoring for single malts (and other). In other words, "80" (while percentage wise, one would think would imply better than good, in fact .. "very good") it's only "meh" for a single malt, whereas "85" is considered ... "pretty good", but then 89 .. becomes "VERY good".
Interestingly enough, I'd have a different value for scoring, and I'd actually score this whisky an 80 .. less than what you gave it, because for me it's simply ... "very good", whereas, if I felt the way you do about this whisky, I'd probably give it a 65 or 70. I think Ralfy started the whole "80s" scoring system for most decent whiskies, and now we all kinda get it. So I suppose my value scoring system is a bit more "traditional".
If you ever watch ADHD whisky (which I doubt you do since he's mostly .. if not entirely about bourbon) he's a "harsher" scorer by the whisky community standards, in other words, if he felt the way you felt about GG12, he'd likely give it a 60 or 65, whereas, if he were to give it an 83 like you did, then that would mean he'd LOVE the whisky, and it would be nearing exceptional! So I think when viewers watch certain "re"-viewers - reviewing whisky, we kinda semi-consciously feel them out and know what an "83" (for ex.) means for that reviewer. And I'm all for your 83! In fact, dare I say ... thank you! ;)
Ain't we just a fascinating bunch!
We are indeed!
I've seen ADHD whisky, but you're right, he's mostly a bourbon reviewer, so not really my wheelhouse. He's funny, though!
I'd agree the 80-90 (75-95 if we're talking extremes) scoring system seems somewhat random. Plenty of reviewers have their own system. I don't know who started the current system (Serge maybe? Ralfy?). Arbitrary? Sure, but it's an arbitrary system that is agreed upon, or at the very least understood, by the majority of scotch drinkers. I'm used to the system myself. And I because know many others are, I adopted it on my channel for ease and clarity.
Cheers Catnap! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Cheers my friend!
@@Gwhisky The person who popularised the 100 point scoring system was Robert Parker. He used it in his Wine Advocate newsletter as he thought that most Americans would be familiar with the system from their school days. He was the American critic that famously predicted the greatness of the 1982 Bodeaux vintage and never looked back. Since then many reviewers around the world adopted his system even though the prevailing scoring system was based on the 20-point spectrum. Yeah, yeah, I'm a long standing wine geek now turning towards whisky geek-dom.
Geoff, I LOVE this one! Do you know of anything similar? Or, should I just go for a Craigalachie?
The flavours here are pretty unique. It's a pretty one-of-a-kind profile, so I'm not sure what might give you a similar experience. If you want a very different but very good experience, then Craigellachie is always recommended! 🥃
Geoff, I am actually looking for something with Fresh Fruit (pairs pineapple) & complexity.
Hi Geoff, don’t know why but Glen Garioch bottles I have always walked on by , strange really. Slàinte Geoff good review, but I’m still not convinced that I should invest in a bottle, cheers.
It's a tough one. A lot of very shrewd whisky people love it. Not for me, but you never know...
Halfway through my second bottle of Glengarioch founders reserve
Which I picked up for £28
London duty free 1 L size
Really enjoyed with friends
Obviously great value.
86/100.
I have not had the 12-year-old.
I would imagine it being even better.
Glad to hear you're enjoying the Founder's Reserve! 🥃
been wondering your take on this very important question I have. If right after someone has some whisky, if they were cut open, do you think they'd smell of that whisky? Particularly if it were a smoky cask strength one? :-D
Jeez... that's dark. Uh... yes? Probably. Why? What have you got planned? 😂
@@Gwhisky shhh! ;)
I'm not sure if I've ever tasted it and I've been thinking about picking one up recently. For some reason, I can't think what, it doesn't really excite me. I think knowing it has added colour, even when it has some sherry in it, makes me think of tired casks.
The sherry influence here is quite apparent, although it's not to any kind of extreme level. It's a good medium-sherried whisky with a strong herbal character. Honestly, even though it isn't a favourite for me, I'd still say it's worth trying. A lot of people swear by this stuff, and it's quite affordable (at least in my market). Of course, we do have to prioritize our buys, though. 😉
I really wanted to love my Glen Garioch 12... so much to like about it... but I too am a bit turned off by that weird herbal/vegetal note that's so prominent (didn't notice the metallic note but it's been a while though). I decided to put it aside for a while, maybe pick it up again in a year, see if my opinion changes.
My opinion did change btw... a lot. I really like it. finished the bottle and was a bit sad I drank most of it before actually getting understanding and enjoying it. Just found a crazy deal on a 1l bottle to give this justice.
Awesome! 🥃
Hah, vegetable cracker! What I get from Glen Garioch 12yo is autumn leaves😆; sherry+herb tone is usually interesting, though I'm not that fond of.
I'd agree about the second part. I tend to prefer bourbon-matured "herbal" whiskies. Still, it's interesting at least! 🥃
The least important of the 3 criteria is color IHMO! I will take the 48% ABV and non-chill filtered as the better 2 out of 3, along with the 12 year age statement! info on the label matters more than the design!
It does indeed! The label design is just for fun, really. I've never stressed it's importance. 😉
I haven't had the Glen Garioch 12 (it's $70 near me, enough to make me hesitate). That said, I have bought the Glen Garioch Founder's Reserve (nas, 48%) for $30.
I found the flavor notes to be a rather winter holiday affair with a bitter kick on the end that rears it's head just a bit too much. it's spiky and untamed; the likes outnumbered the dislikes but it wasn't for me. Then I added some water, and it became much more approachable. the flavors revolved less around vegetal notes and much more around christmas notes. Still, the uptick in the score was a few notches only.
I concluded that I would be able to enjoy this with water and at $30, but I wouldn't buy it again. (I did end up buying an IB of Garioch from Douglas Laing though and still excited to try that one judging by the comments of KLWine's in house buyer).
I wasn't a big fan of the Founder's Reserve, if memory serves. I do remember liking the 12 more. I've tried the 12 with water, and it still wasn't my cup of tea, unfortunately. Sometimes a whisky that works on paper just doesn't suit one's personal taste, and it seems like that's the case for me and GG12. Cheers. 🥃
Ha, that's mad - I found it pretty much the same. Very hype driven, there's not anything wrong with it, it's not bad at all - it just doesn't get me going, it's nice enough just not that exciting. I guess I'll be more pumped with a Tamdhu 15 in front of me when it comes to sherried Scotch.
Hardly a fair comparison, but I can't say I disagree! Cheers Andrew!
Ya know what you should do? You should do a blind tasting with this 12 up against another (or 2 or 3 others) and pick the one you like. That would be fun, you might surprise yourself, but however your palate is, is exactly how it should be at any given moment. Btw, it's pronounced "Glen gear-ee" (sorry, dont mean to be one of those guys, just thought you'd like to know).
That would be interesting!
Whiskey Whisky...just a follow up, have had a couple 700ml bottles that didn't disappoint, nice taste and mouth feel with great finish.
However have just opened a 1ltr version I bought in NZ and it's chalk and cheese, the cork was almost loose, and taste is like adding soap to ice cream, not a happy camper as I bought two, if the next one is the same I'm out, why oh why!
At least I have my regular go 2's that never disappoint.
Even now 20 min later my tounge feels like I've licked the inside of an old hot water bottle.
PS have seen Bladnoch 10 on the official Australia website that still might be available if you know someone who could send it to you, down to my last third of the only bottle I bought...bugga.
Sorry to hear you're not getting along with your current GG12s. Yeah I've enjoyed previous bottles more than the one I've got now. I suppose that's not unheard of, but it's quite an extreme dip in quality imo.
Yeah I'd LOVE to try that Bladnoch 10, but sadly in my experience it's rarely worth it to start dealing with international shipping, especially through a 3rd party. I appreciate the heads up, though. Cheers Rick!
Surprised. If I'm not mistaken you are a big fan of Benromach and Craigallachie. For me this kinda falls in line with them being almost a little "rough" around the edges. The bitter and vegetal notes are what I like so much about GG. You can give me a flawed whisky as long as it's something I never tasted before. IMHO
It's characterful and a bit rugged, which is great. And I love the 48%. But the herbal/sherry combo throws me off a bit. Trust me, I want to get behind it. It's very much a "whisky drinker's" whisky. Simply not to my personal taste. 🥃
one of the rare time we are quite off the marks... not great/one dimensional neat (low 80s neck pour yep) but/and defo takes some water and a bit of glass/bottle airtime but it's and 88/89 for me in these conditions
High praise. Yeah this is one of those ones that everyone seems to "get" but me. Oh well... 🥃
Isn't it 48% ABV?
Yes!
It’s not so far-fetched actually. Herbal+malt=vegetable cracker. Putting honey on a vegetable cracker? This one might not be for me. Props Geoff, your reviews are remarkably revealing. haha Cheers! (“leave me alone”) hahaha
Lol thanks buddy. It's actually pretty special stuff, just not my preferred style. Cheers!
One bottle in the stash.
Hope you enjoy! 🥃
@@Gwhisky Greetings from Portugal.
@@JR-nl3mh Back at you from Taiwan! 🥃
I've had it, but not in years, and I can't remember the last time I saw it. $72 in NY. Solid pass! I'll take two bottles of Loch Lomand 12 for that price!
Fair enough! I definitely think there are better buys out there for the money.
@@Gwhisky I know I'm taking US Dollars, but are there any basic 12 year olds (okay, it's 48%) worth more than about $50-60? Above $50, I generally want something special, cask strength, single cask, special maturation or finish.
I remember having Glen Garrioch 15 too, but again many moons ago, and I recall quite liking it, but it's over $130 now if you can find it, and I'm simply not paying that.
@@MrChristopherMolloy Your standards are much more rigid than mine, and I'm not sure what's available to you at what price. A bit hard to answer...
The 15 is super hard to find here in Taiwan. The last time I saw it it was under USD $100, but I have no idea if that will be the case the next time I find it. I'm guessing it won't be.
@@Gwhisky Well I don't have a channel I need to create content for, so you're in a slightly different position than I am.
@@MrChristopherMolloy "Have to" is a strong word. The channel isn't making any big bucks, but it's loads of fun so I keep doing it. Also, it's a great e̶x̶c̶u̶s̶e̶ reason to drink more whisky! 😉
Haven’t tried the Glen Garioch 12, but have the Founders Reserve and the 15.
I agree with you about the vegetable note with the Founders - but I have no idea what vegetable crackers are. Maybe that’s a consequence of being an old man. No offence taken of course …………… you, you young whipper snapper.
A thousand apologies. No respect, my generation! 😂