Charles MacLean has spent almost thirty years researching, writing and lecturing about Scotch Whisky. In his new monthly column he is here to celebrate the release of Glen Garioch Founders Reserve from Aberdeenshire. Charles has been researching the history of the distillery and provides his thoughts on this whisky.

Deep amber in hue, the first scents are reminiscent of nutty muesli, with chocolate chips and steamed cream. Behind this a hint of Elastoplast, gradually becoming faintly smoky. Very spicy to taste at full strength, spritzich and warming; dark chocolate lingers in the after-taste. Water settles it down. The nose now gains a fruity dimension (dried orange peel?), but overall it remains dense.