A Tasting Guide to Glenfiddich
Globally renowned for a consistently excellent approach to whisky making, Glenfiddich is the world’s most awarded producer of single malt Scotch. From the heart of bonny Scotland’s iconic Speyside and poured straight into your glass, each sip of Glenfiddich celebrates over 150 years of commitment to craft. So, are you sitting comfortably with a Glencairn in hand? (Note: a roaring fire helps set the scene, but is not mandatory.) Here’s what to expect from their core range of delightfully diverse whiskies.
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
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The entry level expression of Glenfiddich really is a taste of place, with a distinctly smooth and fruity flavour that is so closely associated with Speyside’s profile. Aged in ex bourbon and ex Oloroso sherry casks and then blended in oak marrying tuns for 9 months, malt master Brian Kinsman creates a soft and delicately balanced sip. On the nose, prepare for the giveaway icing sugar note of sherry wood, plus some light malt, orchard fruit and subtle vanilla. To taste, the palate picks up fresh pear, light malt, baking spice and subtle oak with a hint of liquorice. The finish is smooth but enduring with fading pear, honey and lasting wood.
Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve
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Scotland by way of Kentucky; it’s all about the barrel with Glenfiddich 14. A quick nose of this delightfully golden brown liquid gives away its new oak finish. Aged for 14 years in an ex-bourbon barrel, the finish takes place in brand new first-fill American Oak, charred and sent direct from the Kevin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky. The summer fruits of Speyside give way to a rich, sweetness and an oak vibrancy. The palate presents candied orange peel, baking spice, toffee apple and creamy vanilla delivered by the toasted oak of a Kentucky kick! The finish is warm, lasting with sweet crème brûlée.
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
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The fun thing about Glenfiddich 15 is that, rather than simply being aged in ex-sherry casks, it is inspired by the very practice of sherry making itself. Aged in a solera vat which has been perpetually topped since 1998, the flavours of this expression are like no other. At first the spirit is aged across a mixture of European oak, ex-bourbon barrels and brand new American oak. Then, it is transferred into a solera to mellow before being married in Portuguese oak tuns. This all results in a whisky with a sweet heather nose, with notes of vanilla fudge, honey and rich dried stone fruits. An absolute delight on the palate, a full body delivers flavours of marzipan, cinnamon, ginger, icing sugar, currents and Christmas cake. The finish is long and rich with a lingering sweetness, culminating in a special experience that hints at why this expression is the recipient of multiple gold awards, and was the first 15-year-old whisky to enter the top ten best-selling single malts in the world. Impressive.
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
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A truly special and outstanding quality Scotch presents itself in the form of the multi-gold-medal-award-winning Glenfiddich 18 Year Old. Each batch is individually numbered and watchfully nurtured for assured excellence. Aged in Spanish Oloroso wood and American oak casks, the liquid is carefully married for aroma and taste. Dark gold in colour, the nose is rich and intricate with notes of baked apple, candied peel, dried fruits and caramel with a distinct oak intensity. The palate presents dates, cooked apple with baking spice, honey, toffee apple, ginger and dried apricot. The long and delectable finish brings salted caramel and citrus peel alongside a distinct desire for another dram. Oof.Â
A Tasting Guide to Glenfiddich
A Tasting Guide to Glenfiddich
A Tasting Guide to Glenfiddich
A Tasting Guide to Glenfiddich
A Tasting Guide to Glenfiddich
A Tasting Guide to Glenfiddich
So, why is Glenfiddich so consistently excellent across its range? Well, a couple of key points stand out here: the spring water and the barrel selection. Ever since 1887, when William Grant first started making whisky, water has been drawn from the Robbie Dhu spring, aka the lifeblood of the liquid. On top of that, the Dufftown distillery is one of the only whisky distilleries to have an onsite cooperage, meaning round the clock attention to the barrels. Plus, as summer approaches, it’s worth mentioning that Glenfiddich makes one good bowl of punch. One thing is for certain: whether you are sipping the 12, 14, 15, 18, or indeed any of the special releases gracing the shelves of our liquor stores, there is truly a Glenfiddich for any occasion. Slà inte Mhaith.
