Glen Garioch releases virgin oak limited edition

Highland single malt Scotch distillery Glen Garioch has made a bold move to release its first ever virgin oak-aged whisky.

Glen Garioch Virgin Oak is a whisky that’s “not for the faint hearted”

Aged in brand new American oak barrels, Glen Garioch Virgin Oak Single Malt Whisky will be a limited edition release with an “intense flavour” that’s “not for the faint hearted”.

“It’s a malt for real aficionados and this exclusive small batch really makes its mark,” said Rachel Barrie, master blender for distillery-owner Morrison Bowmore. “Glen Garioch’s intense flavour means it holds up well in a new fill cask, allowing the liquid to be fully matured in virgin oak and not just finished in the barrel.”

Bottled at 46% abv, the whisky is described as having notes of chocolate cake, treacle syrup and orange marmalade.

“We used the inner heartwood of 100-year-old oak trees grown in the North American mountains.  Each oak barrel was heavily charred to activate the wood’s vanilla and oak spices in readiness for the maturing spirit, bringing its own unique woody tones to the malt.

“The final result is a fusion of vanilla, caramelised wood sugars and oak spices – a match made in heaven and a stand out for malt enthusiasts.”

Just 120 cases will be made available in the UK at an RRRP of £69.99 for a 700ml bottle.