Glen Ord: the new powerhouse single malt whisky
A question for the whisky quiz participants: where does Glen Ord Distillery stand amongst the biggest malt whisky producers? Well, the answer might surprise, but Glen Ord is the sixth largest in Scotland, after big names like The Macallan, Glenfiddich and The Glenlivet. Luckily, there is more Glen Ord to be found bottled by independent bottlers these days. We taste two of them. I have visited the distillery a few times in the past, as it stands close to the Highland capital of Inverness. You can easily travel there. The still house I saw then, remains there, but eight new stills have been added in a separate building. I would love to see those expansions again someday. Maybe on a new visit!
Glen Ord 2009, 16 years old, bottled at 52,5 % abv by James Eadie
First things first: In the Distilleries of Great Britain & Ireland Commemorative series, this Glen Ord matured in a first fill bourbon hogshead. Cask # 309222 produced 272 bottles. Bottled in October 2025.
Upon Sipping: Now this has flair, by Golly! Obviously a lot of vanilla, but then an old-fashioned atmosphere of old blended Scotch from the 1950s makes an entrance. It has a smoky edge, but not from smoke, if that makes sense. More like a deck chair that was standing in the scorching sun all day on a cruise ship across the Caribbean. The wood is smouldering. Then we move on to a distinct hint of Mint Julep and green tea. On the tongue, this Glen Ord by James Eadie shows the impact of the wood, which gives it a more serious character all of a sudden. With water, it becomes a lot more juicy, with peach extract and mango influence, without ever loosing the firm impact of the wood, which gives off a hot bitterness.
Word to the Wise: In short: this one is truly punching above its weight. Overdelivering , considering this is just a modest hogshead. But what it creates, is undoubtedly because of the rich spirit that is produced at Glen Ord Distillery. If you see this one, stock up!
Score: 88 points.
Glen Ord 2017, 8 years old, bottled at 58,2 % abv by Decadent Drinks
First things first: Half the age of the James Eadie one, this matured on a refill hogshead and was bottled for Whiskybase. Only 213 bottles were filled.
Upon Sipping: Impressive colour on just an 8 years old. Despite this being a refill, it rubbed off. The nose is a bit closed, sadly, but the abv is high, so we will check with water. Undiluted, the taste on the tongue is rather juicy too, like the James Eadie. Of course, a lot hotter. Then some weak points. A hoppy taste, warm beer that has been left in the glass too long. Wood notes, a tad bitter. With water, more mint on the nose, and hints of vase water and tulips. The palate shows a more complex whisky, but it remains a tad bitter for my taste. Strong stuff, but missing some seductive traits. Still, Glen Ord can pull this age off, what a powerhouse malt this is.
Word to the Wise: Not entirely my cup of tea, maybe I should have switched the samples in tasting order, but the high abv made me choose otherwise. A rewarding Glen Ord, but I am of the opinion this should have been left in the cask for at least four more years, or indeed, eight, to turn out like the James Eadie one.
Score: 81 points.