Glen Garioch 1989 Wemyss Malt Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The whisky originates from the Glen Garioch distillery, which is located in Scotland.
Type: It is a single cask Scotch whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: This whisky was distilled in 1989 and bottled in 2015, making it 25 years old. It was matured in a hogshead cask, which suggests it was a refill cask, likely a bourbon hogshead.
Age Statement: 25 years.
Color and Clarity: The whisky has a notable color, which is quite rich for a whisky aged in a refill cask. It is uncolored and un-chill filtered.
Bottle Design: The bottle contains 258 bottles at 46% ABV. The design and labeling emphasize its single cask nature and the unique flavor profile, named "Gooseberry Mocha."

Balance of Flavors: The whisky presents a complex balance of flavors, starting with unripened green berries and transitioning to a bitter mocha finish.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its vanilla and caramel notes, with a distinctive combination of chocolate mint and the absence of expected coffee bitterness. The use of American white oak casks contributes to the lack of bitterness in the aftertaste.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique flavor profile of gooseberry, mocha, and the absence of tannin bitterness sets it apart.

Wemyss Malts: The independent bottler, transitioning to a distillery owner, names their whiskies after the major aromas and flavors found within. The name "Wemyss" is derived from the Scots word for caves, tying back to the geographical location near Fife, Scotland.
Historical Context: Distilled at the end of the Great British Recession, obtaining a cask from 1989 is highlighted as a rare opportunity.

Wemyss Castle: The whisky's connection to Wemyss Castle and its historical significance in Scotland is emphasized, adding a layer of cultural depth to the whisky's identity.

Horst Luening describes the flavor profile as "really interesting," noting the unexpected combination of chocolate mint and the absence of bitterness typically associated with mocha or espresso flavors.
The mystery of the mint and chocolate notes' origin is pondered, with Luening concluding it as "magic in the whisky."

A 25-year-old single cask Scotch whisky from Glen Garioch, bottled by Wemyss Malts.
Named "Gooseberry Mocha," it features a complex flavor profile with vanilla, caramel, chocolate mint, and a notable absence of bitterness.
The whisky's connection to Wemyss Castle and its historical and cultural significance is highlighted.
Expert Horst Luening praises the unique flavor profile and the "magic" behind its unexpected notes.

Whisky Connoisseurs: Individuals with a deep appreciation for unique and complex flavor profiles will find the Glen Garioch 1989 Wemyss Malt intriguing.
Collectors: Given its limited bottling and unique story, collectors seeking rare finds would be drawn to this whisky.
Fans of Non-traditional Flavors: Those interested in exploring whiskies with unconventional notes, such as chocolate mint without the bitterness, will enjoy this offering.