Glen Garry 1970s

Review by: Raygun

Not to be confused with Glengarry, another blended Scotch. Since this apparently hasn’t been made since the 1980s, that should help. From what I can tell, John Hopkins & Co. owned Tobermory for a while and started Speyburn. They were then acquired by DCL, and this would have been produced under that ownership, which would explain the Oban and St. Magdalene. I’m not sure how Tobermory would have gotten in here, because from what I understand it was closed in 1930 and not reopened under DCL. Who knows; not me. Reviewed from a sample thanks to Federal Agent. Rested about 20 minutes.

Distillery: Includes Oban, St. Magdalene, Tobermory, and Speyburn 

Bottler: John Hopkins & Co.

Region/style: Blended Scotch

ABV: 43%

Age: NAS 

Cask type: Unknown

Color: 1.2 chestnut. Probably colored and chill-filtered.

Nose: Surprisingly rich for an NAS blend. Caramel, vanilla, fresh muffins, candle wax. Nice honey sweetness to it. Could pass for Balvenie     

Palate: Caramel, vanilla, a dusting of spices. Baked apples and there’s the honey, drizzled on biscuits (the American kind). Has a little mustiness and some dried fruit; might be some sherry in the mix. No young grain notes, fortunately. Really quite nice.  

Finish: Apples, caramel, vanilla. A touch of warm spice again, like in apple pie. Biscuits, a little dried fruit. Slightly grassy. Good length for the ABV. 

Conclusion: Not had many old blends like this. Certainly a cut above similar products now. Seems to have a higher malt percentage; at least free of young grain notes. Can’t call it spectacular, but it’s a pleasant drink and very approachable. Far better than modern products from Chivas or JW. 

Buy a bottle? I’m good. 

Score: 76

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
  • 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)

Published by Raygun

Unknown's avatar

I drank Scotch occasionally (mostly at family gatherings) for years, but started getting more interested after an introduction and tasting from a Scottish acquaintance. That led to buying my first bottle (Highland Park 12). Now 600+ spirits later, Scotch is still my first love, but I drink other whisky and dabble in brandy as well.

Leave a comment