Tasting notes·Glen Garioch

Glen Garioch 21 Years (2003/2024) - Wu DRAM Clan

For the first time ever in the history of the Glen Garioch distillery, located in the Scottish Highlands, a single malt has been launched that was created in partnership by the independent bottler Wu DRAM Clan from Germany and the distillery. The Wu DRAM Clan is known for exquisite bottlings and so it is not surprising that the bottling was sold out within a few minutes.

The panel

Marcel
92
Sascha
88

Mean 90.0 · spread 4

Value for money 0/5

Distillery
Glen Garioch
Bottler
Wu Dram Clan
Type
Single Malt
Region
Highlands
Country
Scotland
Age
21 years
Strength
53.9% ABV
Character
rich

Tasting

Nose

The very first nosing reveals a dramatically dense flavour that doesn't do things by halves. Dried plum and sultanas greet the nose - dark, rich, almost mystical. Behind this lies bittersweet dark chocolate, paired with a hint of old leather and woody honey. A subtle woody note with a nutty undertone provides depth without being overpowering. The cinnamon plays a subtle role - more suggestive than demanding. This whisky doesn't just whiff - it speaks. It speaks of dark cask ageing, of patience, of craftsmanship and character.

Palate

On the palate, Glen Garioch explodes in an inimitable way. Spices dominate: Clove, cinnamon and a hint of black pepper, accompanied by tobacco notes and again the leather that the nose already hinted at. These are joined by blackberries, sultanas and dates, but with a restrained sweetness - never sticky, always balanced. The texture is extremely full-bodied, almost creamy. The alcohol is present, but excellently integrated. Everything seems harmonious, intentional, composed - not by chance. A dram that invites you to chew, it is so multi-layered.

Finish

The finish is eternally long, dry, warming and pleasantly peppery. It leaves an impression of old oak, coffee grounds and spice - but not an aftertaste that tires. Rather a dignified finish, like the last sentence in a novel that you want to read again straight away.

Verdicts

Marcel

With the Wu DRAM Clan, Glen Garioch has crafted a true character whisky – complex, profound, and charmingly spicy in a way that leaves you wanting more. A whisky to savor, it invites you back for another sip and turns every taste into an experience.

Sascha

A well-balanced single malt that impresses with its harmonious blend of intense spice notes and fruity depth. The remarkable cask maturation and precisely integrated alcohol level make this Glen Garioch a technically accomplished Highland whisky with a long-lasting, dry-spicy finish.

What it is worth

We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Glen Garioch as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.

£1£10£100£1k£10k2005200820112014201720202023

Latest mean bid £322 across 98 lots · 2024-08

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2025-05-25.