Glen Garioch – Virgin Oak No.2 (70cl, 48%)

This is a Highland single malt from Glen Garioch, the second release following the 2013 Virgin Oak. It matured entirely in new North American white oak casks, an approach that mirrors American bourbon production. It was bottled in small batches in 2019 at 48% ABV, non-chill-filtered and of natural colour, in a 70cl bottle. The nose brings oats, a little brown sugar, pine, resin and plenty of vanilla. The palate is oily and spicy-sweet, with ginger marmalade, chocolate cake, aniseed, caramel and butterscotch. The finish is fairly long and lightly dry, with ginger and pepper.