Single Cask Nation Glen Garioch 2011 14yo (Cask #160444)

Single Cask Nation Glen Garioch 2011 14yo (Cask #160444)

Region: Highlands

ABV: 50.1%

Price: £81.95

Distilled in April 2011 and matured for 14 years, including a two year finish in a first fill bourbon hogshead. Bottled in summer 2025 as part of SCN’s tenth global outturn. A total of 197 bottles were released.

Nose

The nose is initially very tight, and we had to leave it in the glass for ten minutes before it began to open up. Returning to it, we find red apples, pear juice, dried mangoes, lemon, icing sugar, and peaches. There is very little alcohol prickle for the ABV. Although, even with patience, it still feels a touch tight.

Palate

The palate is a little one dimensional. Heavy milk chocolate and burnt coffee lead, before watermelon and caramelised brown sugar appear on the mid palate. Black pepper joins on the medium length finish, and that spice outlasts the other notes. The mouthfeel is okay, but we were hoping for a little more given this has been bottled at cask strength.

Nose (with water)

Water helps open up the nose, bringing out plenty of warehouse funk. Lemons, hessian cloth, and limes also appear, with most of the pre-dilution notes still noticeable.

Palate (with water)

Water hasn’t dramatically changed the flavours on the palate. It has introduced a slight fizziness, and the spice is better balanced, though it now shows from the outset of the palate. A little bitterness appears on the mid palate. The sweetness carries through to the end of the medium finish. While the mouthfeel remains a touch disappointing.

Conclusion

We were really looking forward to this as we are big fans of the distillery. While it does benefit from a splash of water, even with dilution the nose and palate remain a touch one dimensional. The mouthfeel is a little disappointing for the ABV. It is not a bad dram, but it falls short in a few areas, and we have had many better releases from the distillery.

Score: 6/10

Value

Good value on paper, yet the whisky does not quite deliver.

• 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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