One of Scotland’s oldest distilleries Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery) has been re-born with a new pair of regular whiskies and the first of a selection of small-batch bottlings, the 1991. 

Founded in 1797, the distillery is located in the picturesque town of Oldmeldrum, north-west of Aberdeen. Shut in the late 1960s, new owners, Morrison Bowmore hired a water diviner to find its own water source, and so the story began again.

Falling into the fuller flavoured category of single malts, the 1991 was matured in North American casks rather than the sherry and bourbon casks of the 12-year-old.

With toffee, honeycomb and butterscotch on the nose alongside a touch of heathery smokiness and orange peel, the palate has wonderful balance, with smokiness, creamy vanilla and a citric hit.

54.7%, £64.99, available from distillery, Royal Mile Whiskies, The Whisky Exchange & other select whisky retailers

One of DrinkBritain.com’s Festive Selection