Glen Ord 2011/2021 10 Years - van Wees
The Glen Ord 2011/2021 10 Years Old from van Wees represents a fascinating connection between the traditional Glen Ord distillery in the Scottish Highlands and the Dutch independent bottler van Wees. Glen Ord, located in Muir of Ord since 1838, is one of Scotland's most technically advanced distilleries, producing over 11 million litres of pure alcohol annually. The distillery, known for its precise distillation technique and the use of six stainless steel washbacks, supplies the raw material for this 10-years single malt.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The olfactory analysis immediately reveals the characteristic Glen Ord DNA: a distinctly cereal-based structure dominates, with oatmeal notes forming the primary aroma structure. These cereal components are created by Glen Ord's specific mashing process at a mash temperature of 63-65°C, which ensures optimal starch conversion with minimal tannin extraction. Secondary fruit esters present themselves in the form of unripe banana notes – a typical characteristic of relatively young Highland distillates matured in ex-bourbon casks. Traces of vanilla, attributable to lignin degradation in American oak, support the aroma profile, while subtle citrus and pineapple components indicate clean fermentation with controlled ester formation processes. Peach notes complete the fruit spectrum and are created by specific acetates that are favoured by Glen Ord's moderate distillation temperatures.
Palate
The technical precision of Glen Ord's distillation process is evident on the palate: a remarkably mild texture with a malty-sweet base structure dominates the mouthfeel. The sweetness results from residual sugars and glycerine compounds, which are preserved by the gentle distillation in Glen Ord's copper pot stills. Lightly perfumed notes – probably terpenic compounds from the new make spirit – give the whisky a floral dimension without being intrusive. White toast character shows moderate cask integration: the American oak has imparted its primary vanillin and tannins without dominating. A subtle saltiness, possibly from coastal storage in the Highlands, balances the sweetness and enhances the pear fruitiness. The texture is remarkably smooth – an indicator of clean distillation without sulphur compounds or fusel oils. This "ironed" characteristic speaks for excellent technical control throughout the production chain.
Finish
The finish is deliberately restrained – a technical decision that is typical for 46% ABV and 10 years of maturation. A barely perceptible finish with minimal wood tannins indicates first-fill American oak casks that have already released their most aggressive components to previous contents. Slight dryness and spicy notes develop gradually, revealing the beginnings of a complexity that would become more intense with longer storage. This subtle development is characteristic of mid-aged Highland distillates.
Thoughts
Marcel 76/100
This Glen Ord 2011/2021 from van Wees is simply a joy – it brings the gentle sweetness and malty heart of the Highlands straight to the glass, without any fuss. For anyone looking for an uncomplicated, mild single malt, it’s a charming companion, even if it remains a bit too tame for seasoned connoisseurs.
Sascha 76/100
Technically precise and structurally balanced, this Glen Ord stands as a prime example of meticulous Highland distillation with clear cask integration. Its moderate complexity and subtle finish make it a solid, yet rather unexciting representative of its category.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersRelated Reviews
Wolfburn Cognac Cask 2017/2025 8 Years
The young Wolfburn distillery in the northern Highlands has ventured into an elegant cask experiment: eight years of maturation in cognac casks, an unusual choice that combines character and charm. The result is a fruity, malty single malt that arouses curiosity - especially on the nose.
80/100
Royal Brackla 2009/2021 11 Years - van Wees
After 11 years of maturation in Scottish warehouses, this Royal Brackla is presented at 46% ABV – a strength that promises to unfold its royal flavours while remaining drinkable for us mere mortals.
73/100
Royal Brackla 10 Years 2014/2024 - Thompson Bros
Who would have thought that such a treasure was hidden behind the unassuming name Royal Brackla? The distillery from the Scottish Highlands often leads a shadowy existence alongside the big names, but Thompson Bros impressively proves with this 10-years bottling why Royal Brackla deserves the title "The King's Own Whisky".
86/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the mash temperature of 63-65°C influence the aroma of the Glen Ord 2011/2021 10 Year?
The mash temperature of 63-65°C ensures optimal starch conversion with minimal tannin extraction. This results in the characteristic oatmeal notes and a cereal base structure typical for Glen Ord.
Why is the finish of the Glen Ord 2011/2021 10 Year rather restrained?
The subtle finish with minimal wood tannins is due to maturation in first-fill ex-bourbon casks that have already given up their most aggressive components. The 46% ABV and 10 years of aging create a subtle, gradual development of dryness and spice.
What role does technical distillation play in the flavor development of this whisky?
The precise distillation in Glen Ord’s copper pot stills preserves residual sugars and glycerin compounds, leading to a mild, malty-sweet texture. Additionally, the clean distillation prevents sulfur compounds and fusel oils, giving the whisky a smooth, 'ironed-out' character.