On the back of being awarded the prestigious 3rd spot in Scotland’s Distillery Visitor Experience of the Year nearly two weeks ago, Glen Garioch in Oldmeldrum is launching the Rare Fayre event to be held at the distillery on Saturday, December 1, from 10am.
With free entry and a range of food and craft stalls from talented local producers, visitors will discover some ‘rare finds’ and gift ideas this Festive Season, at the Home of Glen Garioch Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It will be a chance to enjoy a warming hot toddy and chat with the distillery team as well as to sample the honeyed sweetness and delicious creamy texture of the Glen Garioch range.
Visitor centre manager, Fiona Sanderson said: “This is our third Rare Fayre event. After its success last year, where we welcomed over 700 people to our distillery, we felt we should create an even bigger and better Fayre this year. We’ve really put Glen Garioch on the map this year with all the awards we have won and wanted to celebrate that with an event that will also raise funds for Meldrum Amenities Improvement Group. They are a volunteer organisation which look to enhance the quaint, historic market town of Oldmeldrum with flower displays, festive illuminations and a community garden.”
The Festive Rare Fayre also marks the launch of a brand new expression, the Glen Garioch 2007. Distilled on January 25, 2007, cask 57 has spent well over a decade patiently maturing in first filled bourbon barrels. Like pinecones smouldering on a fire, this lightly peated Glen Garioch evokes notes of lemon meringue, creamy, light vanilla, cinnamon and sage with a peppery mouthfeel for a long and memorable finish.
Handcrafted and nurtured by the people of Glen Garioch and aged exclusively in a single ex-bourbon barrel, this unique dram comes from single cask. Each bottle is individually numbered and personally signed by master blender, Ron Welsh.
The Fayre will also embrace the yuletide celebrations with a busy day of exclusive whisky tasting experiences, tours and masterclasses:
SIP OUR STORY - £30.00
The legendary Glen Garioch tale spans across 221 years. With the expertise of the team at 10 Dollar Shake, you’ll be treated to a range of cocktails in Glen Garioch’s private bothy. These cocktails will be cleverly crafted to tell Glen Garioch stories through the ingredients and inspiration behind them. What better way to spend your Saturday afternoon.
12pm and 2.30pm | 60 mins
Over 18s only
DISCOVER GLEN GARIOCH RARE FINDS WITH THE BLENDER - £55.00
So, what is it that makes a good Blender? - a question posed to the Glen Garioch Blender. His reply, “an analytical mind and a good sense of smell, plus a really good memory”. Join Olivier Fagnen from the Beam Suntory blending team as he uses his expertise in the whisky industry to guide you through a tasting of some of Glen Garioch’s artisanal small batch releases, including a preview of a brand new distillery exclusive release.
10.30am and 1pm | 60 mins
Over 18s only
THE FOUNDERS TOUR - £8.00
The perfect introduction to Glen Garioch’s Award Winning Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This unique distillery tour experience celebrates the Manson brothers who first established the distillery and the 220 years of craftsmanship that goes into every bottle that bears the Manson name.
This one-hour long tour includes a dram of The Founder’s Reserve.
10.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm | 60 mins
IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
There is no place like home. Oldmeldrum is the Home of Glen Garioch and has been for generations ever since John and Alexander Manson first established the distillery in 1797. The distillery remains at the heart of the community and stays true to the original charm of the Highlands, the local staff brimming with passion for the fine whisky they make and offering a warm welcome to all.
EVENT DETAILS
Saturday 1st December 2018 – FREE ENTRY. Tours and Tastings must be pre-booked online.
10am – 4pm
Glen Garioch Distillery, Distillery Road, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0ES