Blind Summit Glen Garioch 18yo 2007 & Blind Summit Isle of Jura 20yo 2006

Blind Summit Glen Garioch 18yo 2007

Region: Highlands

ABV: 52.6%

Price: £85.00 (50cl)

Distilled at Glen Garioch on the 14th December 2007 and bottled by Blind Summit in 2026 after 18 years of maturation, this single-cask release spent its first 17 years in an Oloroso sherry cask before being re-racked into a first-fill Oloroso sherry hogshead for its final year. The release produced 220 bottles.

Nose

The nose has a hint of classic Glen Garioch character, most notably pineapple, but it sits in the background behind notes we wouldn’t normally associate with the distillery. Overripe banana, icing sugar, honey and banana bread are all prominent, with minimal alcohol spice and surprisingly little obvious sherry influence.

Palate

The palate opens with milk chocolate, strawberry, toffee and honey, followed by plenty of mango. These are joined by just a little peppery alcohol spice, with icing sugar appearing on the good length finish. The mouthfeel is good and coats our tongues nicely. The sherry influence is more noticeable here than on the nose, but it’s well integrated rather than overpowering the spirit.

Nose (with water)

Water brings out strong milk chocolate, toffee brittle and brown sugar, alongside a little more alcohol spice. The profile now feels much more about synthetic sweetness than fresh fruit, and much of the remaining Glen Garioch character has disappeared into the background.

Palate (with water)

The palate follows the nose closely, with toffee, burnt brown sugar and milk chocolate dominating. The mouthfeel has held up well and the finish remains a good length, ending with a touch of spice. It’s certainly different after dilution, but not necessarily in a bad way.

Conclusion

There’s lots to enjoy here, although it isn’t what we’d describe as a particularly classic Glen Garioch. The distillery character is there when neat, but is pushed into the background by dilution. Saying that while water completely changes the dram we can’t say that people won’t enjoy what this becomes. We’re at a 7.5, but would bet others will be higher.

Score: 7.5/10

Value

Given the age we can’t complain about the price.

Blind Summit Isle of Jura 20yo 2006

Region: Highlands

ABV: 53.4%

Price: £109.95 (50cl)

Distilled at Jura Distillery on the 15th June 2006 and bottled by Blind Summit in 2026 after 20 years of maturation, this single-cask whisky spent its full maturation in a refill Oloroso sherry butt. Only 60 bottles were released.

Nose

The nose is initially a touch tight with only a little chocolate, rocksalt and pistachios showing. Going back after a few minutes and we’re finding Cadbury Fudge fingers, proving dough, crème brûlée and chocolate coins. There’s minimal alcohol spice here despite the ABV.

Palate

The palate opens with lemon and lime chocolate sweets, and orange rind. The mid palate has tobacco, with Coffee Revels and a little bitter coffee appearing alongside a little much pepper spice on the finish. The mouthfeel is okay, while that finish is medium in length.

Nose (with water)

Water makes the alcohol spice a little more noticeable, while the nose becomes considerably more savoury. Those pistachios remain, but are now joined by rice crackers and peanuts. Behind those savoury notes there’s still some sweetness from strawberry laces and burnt brown sugar.

Palate (with water)

The palate hasn’t materially changed, but the spice and slight bitterness have softened. We’re now reminded of orange Creamola Foam mixed with dark chocolate, while the mouthfeel has improved a touch as well. The finish remains medium in length.

Conclusion

This is a slightly timid Jura at first, but with a touch of water, the dram opens up, and spice, bitterness, and sweetness all come together to create something quite tasty. Jura isn’t our distillery but even we can appreciate this one.

Score: 7/10

Value

Not a bad price when you compare it to the distilleries own offerings.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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