I love the slightly funky and odd malt that Glen Garioch can produce and find that it shines best with a more gentle maturation— refill bourbon, sherry, wine, etc.  This does not quite hit that mark, it was matured in a first fill bourbon barrel, but it is something different than the first fill sherry or wine finishes of my last several reviews.  This cask was bottled by Adelphi, owners of the Ardnamurchan distillery, and named for the Adelphi distillery the Walker family once operated in Glasgow. Prior to the opening of Ardnamurchan, Adelphi established a reputation for independent bottling and they continue to operate in that space as well.

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Whisky: Glen Garioch 12 Year (2011), Adelphi Cask 2369

Country/Region: Scotland/Highland

ABV: 57.2%

Cask: First Fill Bourbon Barrel

Age: 12 Years (Distilled 2011, Bottled 2024)

Notes: Citrus, orchard fruits, white flowers, and a tease of bubble gum gradually drifting toward mint. The aroma was mild and fruity and not terribly characterful with soft florals sitting behind baked apples and lemon meringue— it was fine dining with fresh bread and a touch of burning candle wick. Medium-bodied and a bit oily on the palate, the flavors were bright and fruity with an underlying floral element near the end. Baked pear tarts and lemon sorbet arrived with slivered almonds, honey, and a pot of chamomile tea. Herbal elements turned slightly more floral with time as white flowers and mock orange blossom developed. Spirited and peppery at times, that tingle often heralded the arrival of some white chocolate and blondie bars. The finish was medium-length and a touch drying with fruity pith, almond, and butter short bread cookies.

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Score: 6 (78)

Mental Image: Seasonal Dessert Menu

Conclusion: This was a pleasant summer whisky— youthful and bright, not overly spirited, or terribly complex. The aroma presented a fun evolution as the vapors settled, while the palate was a bit more straightforward. I honestly expected something a bit more eccentric from a young Glen Garioch, but this was fine. Overall, a kick back and relax whisky, might be better with a cube of ice and porch.