Glenfiddich Fire&Cane, Experimental Series #04, 2018
ABV: 43%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: ex-Bourbon Casks with a Finish of 3-4 Months in Rum Casks

 

Colour: Bright gold.
Nose: Sweet start on the nose with malted barley, toffee and fresh peaches and apricots, nicely mixed with notes of slightly roasted pears and bananas. The smoke is very discreet with soft peat, tender oak spice and lingering exotic rum flavours in the back. A very appealing nose!
Palate: Deliciously sweet on the palate with barley sugar, toffee, baked yellow apples and pears, all nicely wrapped in soft peat smoke. Then warming spices emerge with oak, pepper, subtle nutmeg and tender cloves.
Finish: The finish is medium long, warm and sweet with barley sugar and toffee, accompanied by lingering and gentle campfire smoke.
With water: Less smoky on the nose when a few drops of water are added. Quite fruity with lots of apples and pears, complemented with sweet notes of malted barley. Still sweet and fruity on the palate, however, the warming spiciness with oak, black pepper and nutmeg comes to the fore with noticeable more peat smoke in the background. The finish is a bit shorter with warming notes of sweet toffee, rum  and a whiff of smoke.
Comments: Oh yes, this is another successful experiment by the folks from Dufftown! Reminds me of the first experiment, Glenfiddich IPA. Instead of the filigree notes of citrus and hops, here you find a perfect combination of sweet rum flavours, juicy fruit and gentle smoke. Indeed, the fine peat smoke very nicely supports the fruity, malty and sweet aromas of this bottling, without standing in the foreground. Very nice to drink, dangerously palatable.


Glenfiddich 19yo, Age of Discovery, Red Wine Finish
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Finished in Red Wine Casks

 

Colour: Reddish amber.
Nose: Pleasantly fruity on the nose with red cherries, raspberries, red currant and yellow apples. This is complemented by vanilla and a rich wine aroma. Hints of  white pepper and oak spice in the back.
Palate: Subtle sweet but fairly fruity start on the palate with wine aroma, red cherries and raspberries. Creamy even velvety. Then warming spices arrive with cinnamon, white pepper and oak, followed by a touch of bitter grape peel towards the finish. The delicate warming pepperiness increases with a second sip.
Finish: The finish is medium long, warm and creamy. Slightly sweet with red berries compote, a touch of grape peel, oak and tannins on the tail.
With water: Water enhances the fruitiness on the nose with more yellow apples, red cherries and berries and wine flavours. Even citric notes and juicy oranges arrive, nicely mixed with creamy vanilla in the back. On the palate, however, the lovely sweet and fruity notes are significantly tamed, while dry notes of oak, tannins and bitter grape peel take over. The finish is short, subtle warm and dry with oak, tannins and a hint of creamy fruit jam on the tail.

Comments: A very pleasing, aromatic single malt from the Age of Discovery series, satisfying nose and palate equally. The red wine cask finish brings in rich fruitiness and well-dosed sweetness but without overwhelming the distillery character. This is nicely balanced with a warming spicy core. A really pleasant surprise. Water isn't necessary at all! 


Glenfiddich 21yo Winter Storm, Experimental Series #03, 2017
ABV: 43%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°°°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type:
Canadian Icewine Cask Finish (8.000 btl.)

 

Colour: Bright gold.
Nose: Beautiful presence of the sweet ice wine flavours on the nose. Very fruity and vinous with apricots, yellow ripe pears, apples and light, sweet grapes. Vanilla pudding with sweet malty notes and a hint of Turkish delight, followed by tender herbal lemonade, oak spice and a whiff of cinnamon in the background. An enticing and extremely pleasant aroma - a real nose flatterer!

Palate: Less vinous and fruity as the nose suggests. Sweet vanilla, toffee and pears are present, accompanied by herbal notes, apple peel and grape skin. This is followed by a pleasantly warming mix of oak spice, subtle cinnamon and white pepper. Tastes much stronger than the 43% abv suggest. With the second sip, the vinous flavours also come through noticeably as the whisky becomes spicier overall.

Finish: The finish is medium long, creamy sweet with vanilla and some more wine flavours. Becomes dry on the tail with spiced oak, tannins and a hint of black pepper.

With water: Fresher and even more fruit on the nose when a few drops of water are added. The spiciness in the back is almost completely tamed. Still sweet and slightly fruity on the palate but less warming spices overall. The finish is quite short with dry notes of oak, tannins and grape peel.
Comments: A truly successful experiment! The Canadian ice wine harmonizes perfectly with the distillery character of the whisky. While the wine aromas are very present - but not too dominant - on the nose, the palate is rather restrained, with more sweetness and oak spices taking precedence. The finish shows good length with a pleasant wood dryness. A great dram with a gorgeous nose. The long wait for the Winter Storm was more than worth it. I'm definitely gonna get a bottle of this.

 

I thank Campari Deutschland GmbH for the sample and Helmut Knöpfle for the photograph!


Glenfiddich over 8yo, Pure Malt
ABV: 43%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery (bottled for the Italian market)
Cask type: --

 

Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: A lovely fruity start with loads of pears, yellow apples and exotic fruits - banana in particular. This is followed by vanilla and toffee, with fine oak and wine gum flavour in the background. An enticing nose!
Palate: Initially sweet and deliciously fruity on the palate with pears and yellow apples, immediately followed by a subtle warming spiciness of white pepper and oak. Vanilla and toffee arrive, lingering with a floral note and drier oak towards the finish. The pleasant spiciness increases with a second sip.
Finish: The finish shows good length. Warming with dry oaky notes.
With water: Fresh on the nose when a few drops of water are added. The delicate exotic fruitiness is tamed while oak spice and floral notes take over. Still sweet on the palate with vanilla and toffee, however, less fruity. The warming spiciness is reduced, the same with oak and pepper spice. More floral notes towards the finish. The finish is short, creamy with vanilla and dry oaky notes.
Comments: A very enjoyable malt from the past. Inebriant, especially for the nose. Unexpectedly spicy on the palate with a warm and dry oaky finish. A clean, well-made, attractive and lively Speyside whisky.


Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams, 2012 Limited Release - Nordic Oak Edition
ABV: 48.8%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°°°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Nordic Oak Finish (3,600 btl.)

Colour: Bright straw to pale gold.
Nose: Shy at first. With time, sweet notes of vanilla emerge, nicely mixed with fruity tones of pears, yellow apples, citrus and oranges. Alcohol is popping through but in a pleasant way, with subtle oak and a hint of floral notes in the back.
Palate: On the palate the dram comes up with a gorgeous sweetness of vanilla and icing sugar, complemented by a lovely fruitiness of apples, pears, oranges and lemon. This is accompanied by a nicely warming spiciness of oak, pepper, caramelised ginger and a hint of cedar wood. The peppery increases with every sip.
Finish: The finish shows medium length with sweet vanilla turning into a pleasant peppery warmth, followed by slightly bitter notes of oak and orange peel on the tail.
With water: Water significantly enhances the vanilla sweetness and fruity flavours of pears, apples and citrus. The sweet vanilla notes and fruitiness continues on the palate while the warming spiciness is noticeable tamed, except the peppery notes. The finish is medium long, nicely sweet and fruity with vanilla and pears, followed by slightly drier notes of oak and orange peel.
Comments: This is a rich, sweet and fruity limited edition of Glenfiddich with a distinct spicy oak character. The use of Nordic oak casks to finish this whisky worked quite well here emphasising the distillery character but also adding new exciting flavours like orange citrus notes and even cedar wood. Powerful with heat - a very pleasing dram indeed!


Glenfiddich IPA, Experimental Series #01, 2016
ABV: 43%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: India Pale Ale Cask Finish

 

Colour: Bright pale gold.
Nose: Fresh and fruity start on the nose with ripe yellow apples, pears, pineapples and a hint of citric fruits. Notes of vanilla intermingle with delicate beer flavours and a slightly bitter but very nice touch of hops. Hints of oak and subtle ginger in the back. Enticing!
Palate: Very sweet on the palate with vanilla, brown sugar, delicate ripe yellow apples and a hint of pineapples. This is followed by a lovely warming spiciness of oak, subtle white pepper and caramelised ginger. Creamy with a slightly bitter touch of hops in the back. The peppery note increases with every sip.
Finish: The finish is medium long, sweet and creamy with vanilla and yellow fruits. Slightly warm with a nice peppery spiciness, lingering hoppy notes and orange zest on the tail.
With water: The freshness and fruitiness remain stable on the nose after adding a few drops of water. Less apples but more citric fruits, oranges in particular. The lovely sweetness is a bit tamed on the palate, while the spiciness slightly increases. Black pepper and prickling oak nicely linger with creamy vanilla in the back. The finish is medium long, creamy with vanilla and a nice warming kick of oak and pepper. Fades with tender bitter notes of hops and orange zest. Very nice indeed!
Comments: A very successful experiment. The finish in casks seasoned with India Pale Ale craft beer provides unique and multi-layered flavours to the distillery character of Glenfiddich. The result is a fruity, vibrant and tangy single malt with a nice balance of creamy sweetness, warming spiciness and unique hoppy bitterness. Quite savoury either neat or diluted. I'd be elated to see more of this amazing experiments in the whisky world!


Glenfiddich Project XX, Experimental Series #02, 2016
ABV: 47%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: 17 Bourbon Barrels, 2 Sherry Butts and 1 Port Pipe

 

Colour: Reddish gold to copper.
Nose: Sweet start on the nose with vanilla and sherry. Delicate notes of oranges and subtle pears. Baked red apples, mixed with raisins and covered by warm custard. Smells like good old German Apfelstrudel! Heather honey, cinnamon, and subtle oak in the back. Very appealing!
Palate: Rich, deep and mellow on the palate. Sweet and fruity notes of vanilla, red apples and raisins, accompanied by a warming spiciness of oak, white pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Slightly tannic, but spiciness and tannicity amazingly increase with every sip.
Finish: Long lasting finish with prickling oak and a touch of sweet toffee, vanilla and creamy red apples. Nicely warming with slightly bitter notes of grape peel. Very tannic on the tail.
With water: Less sweet and fruity on the nose when a splash of water is added. The lovely red apple flavours are only subtly present. Oak and a touch of cinnamon in the back. Creamy, sweet and mellow on the palate with vanilla and biscuit. This is complemented by a slightly warming spiciness of cinnamon, nutmeg, oak and pepper. The finish is medium long, warm and creamy with toffee, vanilla and a touch of red apples. Only a bit tannic on the tail.
Comments: To me this small vatting resulted in a very successful experiment. Clearly Glenfiddich style where the two sherry butts leave their mark on this dram. Rich, gentle, accessible, and highly enjoyable. Well balanced. Complex with a fruity character, a spicy backbone and a creamy/tannic finish. No water needed here.


Glenfiddich 14yo, Bourbon Barrel Reserve
ABV: 43%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery (US Exclusive)
Cask type: Ex-bourbon American Oak Casks, finished in Deep Charred New American Oak

 

Colour: Bright amber to copper.
Nose: Rich vanilla notes immediately jump out of the glass. Creamy with icing sugar, toffee and baked yellow apples. Ripe summer fruit linger with tender citrus, spiced oak and cinnamon in the back.
Palate: Rich and layered on the palate with lots of sweet vanilla, red apples and toffee. This is accompanied by a warming spiciness of oak, cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper. A silky mouthfeel with hints of candied orange peel and caramel towards the finish. The warming spiciness nicely increases with every sip.
Finish: The finish shows good length with a delicate and warming spiciness of toasted oak and subtle cloves. Slightly bitter orange peel and subtle dry notes of dark chocolate on the tail.
With water: Lively and vibrant on the nose with a few drops of water. Besides the lovely sweet vanilla flavours more spicy notes of oak, pepper and nutmeg emerge. Sweet and rich on the palate with lots of red apples and summer fruit, while the spiciness is tamed significantly. The finish is medium long, warm and creamy with vanilla, apples and tender spiced oak.
Comments: An appealing nose and quite eventful on the palate. A savoury whisky where both the slightly increased alcohol content and the American oak casks have given a pretty good impact in the mouth. Rich, vibrant and well-balanced with yummy vanilla sweetness, ripe apple fruitiness and intensive oaky spiciness. A digified addition to Glenfiddich's core range. Too bad it's US market exclusive.


Glenfiddich 15yo, Handbottled at Visitor Centre 2016
ABV: 58.0%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Sherry, Bourbon and New Oak Casks (#36)

 

Colour: Amber.
Nose: Quite a complex aroma on the nose with fruity notes of sultanas, peaches and redcurrant. Sweet vanilla and toffee lovely linger with cinnamon, ginger and spiced oak in the back.
Palate: Rich and intense on the palate with a lovely creamy sweetness of caramell and custard. This is complemented by a pleasant warming spiciness of oak, cinnamon, caramelised ginger and subtle nutmeg. Once the spiciness fades, delicate notes of redcurrant, sultanas and a touch of plums emerge, before gentle marzipan, tender walnuts and a hint of leather linger towards the finish. A great mouthfeel!
Finish: The finish is long, sweet, crisp, and slightly biscuity. Creamy honey and fine marzipan pleasantly intermingle with nutty flavours and slightly drying oak on the tail. Amazing!
With water: Water brings out more of the vanilla sweetness and fruitiness while the nose is still very complex. Quite lively on the palate. Sweet vanilla with a prickling touch of oak and slightly bitter orange peel. The finish is long, warm, sweet and creamy with drying oak on the tail.
Comments: This is a delightfully sweet and sophisticated whisky with a gently dry background. Vibrant and well balanced between the vanilla sweetness, fruit and spiced oak. The arcane malt, reluctant to reveal its secrets. Demands a considerably amount of time to reveal its complexity. An elegant and tasty evening dram!


Glenfiddich 30yo, XXX, Distillery Bottling
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°°°°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Oloroso Sherry and Ex-Bourbon Casks

 

Colour: Warm amber.
Nose: A very soft start on the nose. Luscious sherry, pleasantly mixed with rich fruit and a sweet floral/perfumy fragrance. Lovely notes of old oak wood emerge, followed by nutmeg, crystallized ginger and tender spiced oak. Honeysweet and very well balanced. Quite seductive!
Palate: Satiny and well rounded with honey, dark chocolate and rich fruits - pears, dates and figs. This is nicely followed by a slightly warming spiciness of oak, nutmeg and fine cinnamon. Sweet barley and floral notes emerge, lovely complemented by subtle notes of menthol, leather and a wee touch of smoke. A great mouthfeel!
Finish: The finish is pleasantly long, subtle sweet and warming on winter spice, honey and dried dark fruit. Notes of milk chocolate, baked apples, tender damp wood and a slightly smokiness linger towards the end. Gorgeous!
With water: There's almost no change on the nose with a few drops of water, maybe a bit more woody flavours are coming through. Water, however, tames the fruitiness and sweetness on the palate with spices and the woodiness becoming more prominent. The finish still lasts long with chewy fruit and spice.
Comments: So glad I was lucky enough to taste a sample of this phenomenal whisky. Words can hardly describe this absolutely joyful experience. This simply stunning 30 years old nectar is a very well balanced symphony of sherry, solid sweetness, rich fruit, glorious winter spice and seductive dark chocolate. A luxurious evening dram which demands time to be fully enjoyed.


Glenfiddich Reserve Cask, Cask Collection
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Spanish Sherry Casks, Married in Unique Solera Vat

 

Colour: Bright amber.
Nose: A pleasantly sweet start on the nose with sherry flavours, accompanied by lovely fruit - dates, figs and orange jam. Caramel and delicate spicy tones of cinnamon nicely linger with earthy flavours, leather and a whiff of oak in the back.
Palate: Smooth, sweet and silky with intriguing flavours of sherry, cherries and caramel, followed by a nicely warmth of spiced oak and cinnamon. Sticky sweet notes of honey and butterscotch linger towards the finish. Complex and very delicate.
Finish: A long, warm and slightly spicy finish with oaky tannins and cinnamon. Lovely fine nutty flavours linger with a touch of marzipan and an enduring sweetness on the tail.
With water: On the nose, creamy sherry sweetness and delicate fruity notes with a few drops of water. Water enhances the creaminess of this malt with prickling oak on the tongue, wrapped in a delicate mix of spices and toffee. The finish is medium long, sweet and, you guess right, very creamy.
Comments: This lovely global travel retail expression focuses on the sherried side of Glenfiddich whisky. It is a rich, deliciously smooth, sweet and silky single malt with a complex flavour profile. An extremely savoury, creamy and intriguing dram. Another sherry beauty within the great Glenfiddich range.

 

I thank William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich The Original, Limited Edition 2015
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Bourbon and Sherry Casks

 

Colour: Gold.
Nose: A delicate floral and fruity start on the nose with apples, pears, and a hint of citrus. With time darker fruits arrive, accompanied by crisp malt, oatcakes and tender treacle, with gentle spiced oak in the back. Very appetising.
Palate: Fairly sweet with lively fruity notes, tender citrus and delicate vanilla. Warm spices emerge - oak, ginger and allspice, mixed with lingering flavours of oatcakes and crisp malt. Vibrant and intense.
Finish: The finish is medium long, warm and spicy with cinnamon, gentle allspice, hints of cloves, and dry oak.
With water: Fresher on the nose with more yellow fruit’s coming through, complemented by soft and lingering vanilla notes. Water tames a bit of the fruitiness on the palate with prominent warm spices and fine cinnamon. The finish is warm, spicy with medium length.
Comments: Inspired by the original 1963 Glenfiddich Straight Malt expression, this special edition shows the unique refreshing character of Glenfiddich. Pear-like fruitiness, soft vanilla and baked malty flavours mingle with warm and lingering dry oak spice to a beautifully rich, lively, and pleasantly complex whisky. I enjoyed this beauty neat as the dark fruits bring some more depth and richness.

 

 

I thank Markus Heinze (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in Germany) for the sample and William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich 15yo, 2014, Distillery Edition
ABV: 51.0%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: American and Spanish Oak

 

Colour: Deep gold.
Nose: A delicate fresh and fruity aroma with lots of apples and pears. Creamy with floral notes and blossom honey. Pleasant vanilla emerges with a touch of citrus and a hint of pepper in the back. Very appealing nose!
Palate: Sweet, malty and creamy with custard and strong spices - oak, chilli, cinnamon and nutmeg. Very warm indeed. Fruity aromas arrive with orange blossom, pear, tender dark fruit and a whiff of lemon, complemented by fine nutty flavours lingering towards the finish. Very delicate.
Finish: The finish is long, lingering sweet and velvety warm. Delicious custard and hazelnut notes on the tail.
With water: A dash of water releases delicate fruitiness - oranges, ripe pears and lemon, and lingering vanilla sweetness on the nose. There's increased fruitiness and creamy vanilla coming through with blossom honey and slightly tamed spices on the palate. The finish is long, sweet with creamy honey and gentle luscious fruit flavours. Amazingly delicate!
Comments: This is classic Glenfiddich, but with added complexity, depth and character. An evocative whisky with an intense range of aromas. Rich and sweet flavours, luscious fruits and lingering warm spices. A velvety dram and great value for the money!

 

I thank Markus Heinze (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in Germany) for the sample and William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich 19yo, Age of Discovery, Bourbon Cask Reserve
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: American Bourbon Casks

 

Colour: Bright gold.
Nose: The nose starts off with massive toffee and lingering vanilla. Sweet and delicate. With time fruity notes arrive with apples, spicy oranges and pleasant citrus flavours. This is balanced by fine oak and gentle tannins. Very inspiring and aromatic!
Palate: Rich notes of toffee and vanilla, complemented by a delicate spiciness of nutmeg, cardamom, and white pepper. Subtle leathery notes emerge with a hint of tobacco leaves. Traces of sweet vanilla and toffee nicely linger towards the finish. Silky, even velvety mouthfeel. Very satisfying!
Finish: The finish is lovely warm and long. Delicate toffee notes nicely switch to lingering chocolate flavours on the tail. Amazing!
With water: Clean and fresh on the nose. There's more citrus fruit coming through with a few drops of water, balancing the delicate toffee and vanilla notes both on the nose and palate. Warm and fine oak spice, nutmeg and cardamom linger towards the long and velvety finish.
Comments: A superb follow-up to the Madeira cask finish. Rich and complex with a perfect balance of sweet toffee, rich dried fruit flavours and harmonious spice. A perfect match with a piece of fudge. I enjoyed it very much!

 

I thank William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich 19yo, Age of Discovery 2011, Madeira Cask Finish
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Finished in Madeira Wine Casks

 

Colour: Deep amber.
Nose: Initially sweet and slightly floral with lots of fruit influences of juicy pears, apricots, sultanas and oranges. Lightly vinous with luscious grapes, plums and gooseberries, complemented by sweeter notes of vanilla, caramel and a delicate touch of honey and marzipan. Behind that there is a soft earthy note, damp wood and a hint of moss in the back. A challenging nose indeed, nice and very aromatic!
Palate: Rich and deliciously sweet at first with barley sugar and vinous red fruit, followed by a warm grip of spice, caramelised ginger, cracked black pepper and cinnamon. Lots of vanilla arrive with yellow fruit, sultana and mirabelle in particular, and subtle toffee. Slightly earthy notes with dark chocolate and gentle oak fade into a real mild bitterness towards the finish.
Finish: The finish is warm, slightly sweet with apricot jam and medium long. Quite fresh and lively with lingering spice, ginger, roasted almonds and a fairly dry end. Soft, gentle and amazing.
With water: Clean and fresh on the nose. Water reduces the sweetness and fruitiness, bringing more spicy flavours to the fore. Intense on the palate with vinous fruit and spice, ginger and pepper. The finish is short and very dry, almost astringent with significant more oak and pepper.
Comments: A rich and complex dram. Smooth and satisfying, with layered aromas and a good balance. A lovely nose and fascinating finish. Perfect for tea time with a piece of Madeira cake. Would love to see this bottled at higher strength though.

 

 

I thank Markus Heinze (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in Germany) for the sample and William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich Malt Master's Edition 01/11, 2011
ABV: 43%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Oak and Sherry Casks


Colour: Full gold.
Nose: A pleasant sweet start with custard, fruitcake, and candied cherries. Very fruity, becomes maltier with crisp sweet barley sugar and some roasted almonds. Gentle oak spice and clove emerge, along with a touch of heather and a fine hint of chocolate in the back. Quite impressive!
Palate: Rich and round. Sweet maltiness, complemented by lingering custard and delicate fruit, plums and cherries in particular. There's oranges coming through with a brief touch of nougat and caramel. Lingering oak spice arrive with roasted almonds, a hint of marzipan, peppery notes, cloves and subtle tobacco smoke towards the finish. Pleasantly multi-layered.
Finish: A medium long and malty finish. Sweet with some fruity notes, prickling oak spice, lingering walnuts and gentle smoke on the tail.
With water: Water emphasizes the fruity proportion of this beauty but also brings out more smoke flavours with smouldering wood both on the nose and palate. There's more dark fruit with a delicate spiciness and charred wood aroma on the palate. The finish is medium long, still sweet with lingering smoke.
Comments: A flavourful and multi-layered whisky. Well balanced with sweet with fruity aromas, attractive spice and tender smoke. Attractive in the glass, with an impressive nose and rich palate. A very well made Glenfiddich and a perfect after dinner dram with a piece of dark chocolate.


I thank Markus Heinze (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in Germany) for the sample and William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix, 2010, Limited Edition Bottling
ABV: 47.6%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Bourbon and Oloroso Sherry Casks


Colour: Pale gold.
Nose: A fine oloroso sherry note with delicate toffee and lingering creamy vanilla. This is complemented by a vigorous scent of ripe fruit, apples in particular, and luscious stair pear. Subtle heather and blossom honey emerge with a gentle touch of nuttiness and a whiff of smoke behind. Very aromatic indeed!
Palate: Rich and round. Sweet maltiness with shortbread, lingering custard and ripe stewed fruit. Creamy and nicely appetising. Getting spicy with gentle candied ginger, white pepper and a touch of charred wood. Heather with blossom honey, and a dry note of dark chocolate and subtle smoke towards the finish. A succulent pleasure.
Finish: Significantly long. Fruity with luscious green apples. Spicy oak with pepper and lingering sherried malt. Creamy vanilla with a gentle smoky nutty touch on the tail. Simply wonderful.
With water: Water emphasizes the fruity proportion of this beauty with more apples coming through both on the nose and palate. There's more sweet maltiness with a reserved spiciness on the palate. The finish is long and sweet with delicate malted barley, and lingering spice.
Comments: An unique whisky created by chance. Undoubtedly, a cracking packaging, but a cracking dram as well. A flavourful, inviting nose leads to a powerful, round swell on the palate, mellowing into a long, smooth and enjoyable finish. Very pleasant, well-balanced, and seductive. A dignified and complex single malt.


Glenfiddich 26yo, Excellence, Distillery Bottling
ABV: 43%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°°°°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: American Oak Bourbon Barrels


Colour: Gold.
Nose: The nose is sweet and pleasantly soft with lingering vanilla, toffee and a delicate floral note. Wonderfully tropical fruits emerge with pear, peach and pineapple along with gentle icing sugar. Gets rounder and rounder and also sweeter with the alcohol aspect getting a bit stronger with time. There's a slightly hint of oak and spice in the back. A gorgeous nose, creamy, soft and wonderfully aromatic!
Palate: Luscious silky feel. Deep fruit, pear and peach. Warm spicy burst - ginger and pepper - wipes out the sweetness. Very warm but not burning, rather smooth and a bit oily with a tender oak bite. It's like coming in from a winter storm.
Finish: Quite long and warm with delicate vanilla and lingering marzipan in the back. Dry and gentle spicy with oak notes slowly fading away. Simply wonderful.
With water: There's almost no change on the nose, maybe a bit more vanilla's coming through. However, water tames the fruitiness and sweetness on the palate significantly with spices become hot and more prominent. The finish still lasts long with warming spice.
Comments: A luxurious whisky. Smooth, creamy, sweet and fruity, with a spicy and gently dry background. Very well balanced, complex and sophisticated. No water needed here. A perfect malt for a perfect evening.

 

I thank Markus Heinze (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in Germany) for the sample and William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich 21yo, Gran Reserva, Distillery Bottling
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°°
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: Bourbon Cask and Rum Cask Finish

 

Colour: Deep amber.
Nose: Rich and intense on the nose with creamy vanilla and delicate rum flavours. Sweet fruit is coming through, baked apples, ripe pear, banana and figs, along with pear drops and lingering caramel toffee. There's subtle leather in the back with a touch of oak spice and cedar wood. This dram needs time to open up, but then the complexities will soon follow. Very elegant and aromatic!
Palate: Smooth, sweet and fruity at the beginning. Full-bodied with fruit orchard and rum flavour, complemented by brown sugar, delicate toffee and lingering vanilla. Becomes vibrant and dry with pleasant layers of delicate spices - ginger, tannins and subtle citrus - accompanied by gentle chocolate and a whiff of wood smoke.
Finish: Sweet and fruity with a long finish. Ripe pear and marmalade with a mix of chocolate, spice and dry oak on the tail.
With water: Water tames the fruitiness and sweetness on the nose with spices become more prominent. Creamy on the palate with significantly more spice on the tongue, mainly pepper and again less fruity notes. The finish still is long with warming spice.
Comments: A very tasty dram with a great balance. Delivers more than expected. It displays an attractive array of fruity aromas and spicy flavours with a very enjoyable rum influence. But you must give it time to get there. Smooth, rich and mature. A charming malt to spend an evening exploring its complex flavours.

 

I thank Markus Heinze (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in Germany) for the sample and William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich 18yo, Small Batch Reserve, Distillery Bottling
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °°
Bottling: Distillery...
Cask type: American and European oak casks

 

Colour: Amber.
Nose: Very elegant and rich on the nose with a distinct fruitiness. There's mainly orchard fruit and baked red apples coming through with lingering malt, sweet toffee and vanilla. Even a whiff of citrus notes appears in the back with delicate oak, cinnamon, and a touch of Christmas spice. A very pleasant nose!
Palate: Sweet and rich with delicate dark honey, baked red apples and a hint of citrus coming through. Very fruity with concentrated dark fruit. Spicy oak arrives with cinnamon, cardamom and some nice winterly spices. Delicious taste.
Finish: Long, smooth and still sweet finish. Very distinguished and warm with lingering honey, cinnamon and crisp dry oak.
With water: There's not too much change on the nose with water, except a bit of increased freshness. However, the elegance of the neat nose is a bit tamed and less expressive with water. More spice is coming through on the palate while the fruity sweetness along with honey is still dominating here. The finish is still long, significantly vibrant with lots of prickling spice.
Comments: This is a wonderfully rich and enjoyable dram. Every flavour in there is harmonious. The beautiful baked apple scent on the nose, the delicate honey and fruitiness on the taste and lingering spices on the finish. Well balanced, smooth, and delicious, no water needed. To me, one of the best 18 yo single malts on the market at a truly bargain price.

 

I thank Markus Heinze (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in Germany) for the sample and William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich 15yo, Unique Solera Reserve, Distillery Bottling
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: American Bourbon & Spanish Sherry casks, and new American oak casks

Colour: Amber.
Nose: Rich, fruity and very soft on the nose with lots of delicate sweet honey and lingering vanilla fudge. There's subtle oak in the back with gentle sherry, dark fruits, hints of plums and raisins, baked apples and chocolate. Very pleasant.
Palate: Rich and creamy, even silky on the palate with delicious honey, stewed black fruit, lingering vanilla cream and gentle sherry. Soft oak spice, cinnamon and a bit of marzipan arrive along with a whiff of smoke and a subtle peppery note. Very delicate.
Finish: Ripe and vibrant but smooth and elegant with a warm and medium length finish. Still sweet with pleasant honey and vanilla, and gentle dry oak on the tail.
With water: Very creamy with big waves of honey and vanilla. Clean and fresh on the palate along with significantly more oak spice, gentle smoke and crisp peppery flavours. The finish is very long and warming with lots of oak spice and subtle smoke. Very nice.
Comments: An intense whisky with a vast range of aromas and tastes. Beautiful full flavour, lingering fruits and sherry with a warm and very pleasant aftertaste. Solera adds a richer depth and mouth-feel. A perfect dram and great value for the money indeed!

 

I thank Markus Heinze (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in Germany) for the sample and William Grant & Sons for the photograph!


Glenfiddich 12yo, Distillery Bottling
ABV: 40%
Region: Speyside
Price per bottle: °
Bottling: Distillery
Cask type: American oak and European oak sherry casks

 

Colour: Beautiful golden colour.
Nose: The nose starts off with a delightful green pear aroma. Very clean and fresh with a certain maltiness and a whiff of smoke. With time, the pear flavour increases with a touch of lingering vanilla's coming through. A lovely nose.
Palate: Fruity and sweet on the palate with a delicate vanilla note on the tongue. Mature yellow pear complemented by delicate spice and a touch of white pepper. Sweet and warming with spicy pine flavours.
Finish: Warming with quite a good length and lots of fruity sweetness. Smooth and mellow. Becomes slightly drier in the end with a pleasant spicy and woody tail.
With water: There's more freshness and fruitiness on the nose with pleasant vanilla. Sweet, fruity with a delicate touch of blossom honey on the palate with significantly more oak spice and pepper. The finish is medium long, warming with crisp and dry oak spice.
Comments: The signature malt of Glenfiddich distillery. A light, clean and fresh whisky with a delicate balance of luscious fruit (pear), lingering vanilla and oak. A well-made and attractive all day dram.

 

I thank Markus Heinze (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich in Germany) for the sample and William Grant & Sons for the photograph!