Glen Garioch – 1971 Samaroli Collection (75cl, 59.6%)

Glen Garioch – 1971 Samaroli Collection is a single malt whisky from Glen Garioch (Highland). Bottled at 59.6% ABV, 75cl. Matured in sherry casks. This is one of Silvano Samaroli's earliest forays into the realm of independent bottling, following his successful collaboration with William Cadenhead in 1979. This was bottled in the same year. Having previously been the official Italian distributor for Glen Garioch, Samaroli had great access to top quality casks and it shows here. This is technically a distillery bottling, titled the Samaroli Collection. It was imported in 1979 and 1980 by the distillery's new Italian agent, Lemar. This is the first of two 1971 vintage Glen Garioch released by Silvano, this one bottled at full proof. The second was single cask homage to this, bottled much later in 1997 at a lighter 43% ABV. A historic Highland malt distillery and one of the oldest still operating in Scotland. Established in the heart of Old Meldrum back in 1797, it is today part of the Beam Suntory portfolio and produces a non-peated spirit which is entirely reserved for its single malt brand.