Glen Garioch 21 Year Old 2003/2024 - Wu DRAM Clan
The Wu DRAM Clan is known for exquisite bottlings and so it is not surprising that the bottling was sold out within a few minutes.
Nose
The very first nosing reveals a dramatically dense flavour that doesn't do things by halves. Dried plum and sultanas greet the nose - dark, rich, almost mystical. Behind this lies bittersweet dark chocolate, paired with a hint of old leather and woody honey. A subtle woody note with a nutty undertone provides depth without being overpowering. The cinnamon plays a subtle role - more suggestive than demanding.
This whisky doesn't just whiff - it speaks. It speaks of dark cask ageing, of patience, of craftsmanship and character.
Taste
On the palate, Glen Garioch explodes in an inimitable way. Spices dominate: Clove, cinnamon and a hint of black pepper, accompanied by tobacco notes and again the leather that the nose already hinted at. These are joined by blackberries, sultanas and dates, but with a restrained sweetness - never sticky, always balanced.
The texture is extremely full-bodied, almost creamy. The alcohol is present, but excellently integrated. Everything seems harmonious, intentional, composed - not by chance. A dram that invites you to chew, it is so multi-layered.
Finish
The finish is eternally long, dry, warming and pleasantly peppery. It leaves an impression of old oak, coffee grounds and spice - but not an aftertaste that tires. Rather a dignified finish, like the last sentence in a novel that you want to read again straight away.
Thoughts
This Glen Garioch is not an everyday dram. It is a statement. A whisky that takes its time - and demands time. Every sip rewards you with depth, character and a complexity that is otherwise only found in a few bottlings.
"Sherry garnet - but not bold" is probably the best way to describe it. The complexity is there, but not overpowering. The dram remains soft, round, almost meditative - and yet pleasantly spicy, which gives it its energy.
Rating: 90/100 - World Class (Marcel: 92 | Sascha: 88)
Further Information
Cask Type: Oloroso Sherry ButtCask Number: 808
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ What makes the collaboration between Glen Garioch and Wu DRAM Clan so special?
👉 This is the first official collaboration in the history of the Glen Garioch distillery with an independent German bottler. Wu DRAM Clan is known for exquisite cask selections and brings a different perspective to the whisky selection than the distillery itself
❓ Why is Glen Garioch 21 year old not a beginner's whisky?
👉 With its extreme complexity, full-bodied character and intense sherry maturation, this whisky demands the connoisseur's full attention. It is "sherry garnet" without being overpowering - this means intense sherry flavours that are perfectly balanced. Ideal for experienced whisky lovers who have time and leisure for meditative enjoyment. It is definitely oversized for quick drinks after work.
❓ What flavours make Glen Garioch 21 years so exceptional?
👉 The combination of dark fruits (prunes, sultanas, blackberries), spicy elements (clove, cinnamon, black pepper) and unusual notes such as old leather and tobacco flavours is special. The bittersweet dark chocolate and woody honey give it depth, while the creamy texture carries all the flavours perfectly.