This year’s Burns Night at The Citizen gave me a rare treat: a pour of vintage 1995 Glen Garioch. Since this whisky hasn’t been produced in decades and commands serious money on the secondary market, I figured I’d share my experience for anyone who might encounter it in the wild. Let’s jump in.

Founded in 1797, Glen Garioch has seen its share of changes—new owners, shifting production styles, and even a temporary closure before its revival in 1997. This bottling is especially significant: it was drawn from the final spirit run before the distillery went silent in October 1995. It represents the last time Glen Garioch used peat-smoked barley, and after distillation it spent about 16 years resting in 1st fill bourbon casks before being bottled in 2012.

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Nose: light peat smoke with honey and vanilla

Palate: Gently sweet, featuring notes of banana, caramel, warming spices, and soft bready undertones

Finish: lightly smoked, almost chocolate leaning, with lingering spices

ABV: 55.3%

Cost: $100 to $1000+ (depending on where you find)

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This expression is nothing short of phenomenal. It’s beautifully crafted, offering that signature peat smoke without ever becoming overwhelming. The peat is perfectly balanced by warming spices, banana, and bready undertones. “Wow” was the first word that came to mind when I tasted it. Every note complements the others—nothing dominates, nothing falls flat. It’s not too sweet, not too smoky; just incredibly well‑rounded.

I would absolutely own this bottle—if I could find it at MSRP. It’s a real shame that this expression is no longer produced. It’s a clear win in my book. That said, as exceptional as it is, I wouldn’t pay more than its original MSRP, and honestly, neither should you.

Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend people to try it and make up their own minds.