Glen Ord Decanter 12 Years Old bottled 2009 Northern Highland Malt 43,0% alc by vol. with OC

Here is the detailed review of the Glen Ord Decanter 12 Years Old (bottling 2009) - a rarity from the Highlands:

Glen Ord 12 Years Old "Decanter"

Distillery: Glen Ord (Northern Highlands)
Bottler: Official bottling
Year bottled: 2009
Age: 12 years (distilled around 1997)
Strength: 43.0 % vol.
Filling quantity: 700 ml
Finish: Decanter bottle with original carton (OC)
Range: Northern Highland Malt

Historical significance

• Bottling era:

  • Bottled during the distillery's transition phase: Glen Ord was still marketed as an independent brand in 2009 before Diageo positioned it primarily as"The Singleton of Glen Ord" for the Asian market from 2010.

  • Last decanter version of the classic 12-year-old - now replaced by modern Singleton bottles.

• Decanter design:

  • Typical heavy lead crystal bottle with deep cut and gold-printed label (often with oxidised gilding).

  • Symbolises the premium strategy of the 2000s for the export market (especially Europe/Asia).

Sensory profile (based on tastings 2009-2012)

• Colour: Warm gold (possibly slightly tinged, typical of Diageo).

• Nose:

  • Fruity-malty: cooked pears, honeydew melon, oatcakes.

  • Typical of the Highlands: Hay meadows, orange blossom, delicate vanilla and a hint of mint.

• Palate:

  • Silky and elegant: apricot jam, caramel, roasted almonds.

  • Spicy depth: Gingerbread spice, lemon zest, subtle smoky underlay (from traditional post malts).

• Finish: Medium length, with hints of milk chocolate and sweet oak.

Rating & market value

• Rarity factors:

  • Decanter version: only available circa 2008-2010 - rarely on sale today.

  • Original box (OC): Increases the value significantly (protects from light, preserves label).

  • Series: Part of the rare"Northern Highland Malt" line (before Singleton changeover).

• Price range (2024):

  • €120-€180 (without OC)

  • €150-€220 (with OC, depending on condition)

• Auction behaviour:

  • Rising demand since 2020 (WhiskyAuctioneer: €165-€210 in 2023).

  • Collector appeal: Contemporary document of the pre-Singleton era Glen Ords.

Distillery characteristics

• Glen Ords profile:

  • Renowned for malty elegance and complex fruit flavours due to slow fermentation.

  • Slight traces of smoke (historical: own malt house with lightly peated malt until 1968).

• Speciality of this bottling:

  • Presumably matured in ex-bourbon casks (emphasises fruity, spicy notes).

  • 43% vol. - typical for Diageo, but still more expressive than today's 40% bottlings.

Condition & tips

1. Decanter issues:

   • Cork: Natural cork tends to be brittle (check for leaks!).

   • Engravings: prone to dust - clean with a soft brush.

2. OC preservation:

   • Carton often damaged (moisture/bends) - complete OC increases value by ~25%.

3. Storage: In the box, upright, at 15-18 °C.

Conclusion: A piece of Highlands history

✅ Cult decanter: Last classic design era before the Singleton changeover.
✅ Sensory testimony to the times: shows Glen Ord's elegant, fruity side without modern market smoothing.
✅ OC as a value booster: Complete set ideal for collectors.
⚠️ Caution: Risk of confusion with newer Singleton versions (different bottle/label) - always check "Glen Ord Decanter 12Y" and year of bottling!

Insider tip: Compare with the official Glen Ord 12Y bottling (not decanter) from 2009: The decanter often appears more concentrated due to less exposure to light!

Sources:

• Diageo archive material (2009 marketing material)

• Tasting comparisons (WhiskyMagazine #97, 2010)

• Auction data (WhiskyAuctioneer, Scotch Whisky Auctions 2020-2024)

• Product databases (WhiskyBase, The Whisky Exchange)

Note: For older decanters, always check for lead migration in the crystal (but low risk if the cork is intact).