Distillery
Glen Garioch
Scottish producer of Highland single malt based in Oldmeldrum (Aberdeenshire). Founded in 1797, it is known for small-batch whiskies with a malty, rich style, with some expressions non chill-filtered.
- Oldmeldrum (Aberdeenshire) · Highland · United Kingdom
- Since 1797
- 2 products
The story
Glen Garioch takes its name from the Garioch valley and has operated in Oldmeldrum, the 'granary of Aberdeenshire', since 1797. Over two centuries it changed ownership several times, experienced periods of halted production (including works to find new water sources) and introduced innovations such as the greenhouse project in the 1970s. From the late 20th century it was restored and relaunched as a single malt distillery, sold both as standard bottlings and in vintage and special releases.
Production philosophy
To highlight the malty identity of the Garioch area through small-batch production, traditional techniques and careful selection of maturations; to promote whiskies with the hearty character typical of the Highlands, often non chill-filtered.
Territory
Oldmeldrum, Garioch Valley, Aberdeenshire, Highland region, Scotland
Production method
Traditional, small-scale approach: fermentation and distillation in classic on-site units, with emphasis on batch quality and selection of casks for maturation. Official lines include both core range and vintage/experimental releases.
Distillation
Traditional pot still distillation: the facility has wash and spirit stills (historically expanded to 3–4 stills during the 20th century).
Ageing
Aging in oak casks; the range includes maturation in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks and releases finished in particular casks (e.g. virgin North American oak, wine casks) depending on the expression.
Characteristics
- Type
- Distillery
- City
- Oldmeldrum (Aberdeenshire)
- Categories
- whisky
- Scotch whisky
- single malt
- Highland whisky
- vintage releases
- Raw materials
- malted barley (barley malt)
- water (source 'Silent Spring' at Coutens Farm)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- ex-bourbon
- ex-sherry
- wine casks
- virgin North American oak
- Representative products
- Glen Garioch 12 Years Old
- Glen Garioch 1797 Founder's Reserve
- Glen Garioch Virgin Oak
- Glen Garioch Vintage releases (e.g. 1978, 1986, 1990)
What makes it distinctive
- Founded in 1797, one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.
- Located in Oldmeldrum, in the fertile Garioch Valley, historically known for barley.
- Small-batch production focused on malty whiskies characteristic of the Highlands.
- Core range includes the 12 Years and the 1797 Founder's Reserve (bottled at 48%).
- Use of several cask types: ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and releases in virgin oak or wine casks.
- Part of a broader group associated with Suntory / Morrison Bowmore (management/international positioning).