Today we explore the Speyside whisky region of Scotland, to taste test one of the most famous single malt scotch whiskies – Glenfiddich, the best-selling single malt scotch in the world. Glenfiddich is a defining Speyside whisky – rich with orchard fruits, vanilla and oak – easily approachable, warming, rich and rewarding. Glenfiddich 18 year old (formerly the ‘Ancient Reserve’) is indeed a richly rewarding whisky and it is easy to see why the ‘valley of the deer’ is so popular the world over. Beautifully structured, clean flavours and long years of care and attention have gone into the crafting of this quality spirit. Each time I come back to Glenfiddich I am surprised again by the expert craftsmanship that has gone into the dram we get to savour in the end product. You can never really go too far wrong when buying a bottle of Glenfiddich.
Glenfiddich 18 year old is, of course, the noble maturation of the core expression many whisky drinkers will be familiar with – Glenfiddich 12 year old. With the extra six years in the cask fresh pear has become soft, stewed apple. Bold vanilla bean has become vanilla cream. Rich oak has become a subtle backdrop for the rich fruitiness.
If this whisky is to be described in one word it is ‘rich’.
The nose is akin to warm winter deserts – baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon. Given time, caramel toffee and enticing vanilla crème. A nose that makes you want to dive right in. The palate is exquisite – soft, mellow and rounded. Subtle and complex. Honey, orchard fruit and fresh citrus. A very small drop of water brings out the wonderful spices of the oak– cereals, ginger, grassy floral notes. Hold a small sip on the tongue to savour the delicate nature before swallowing – this is not a whisky for “quaffing”. The finish is medium length, crisp, clean and reflects the flavours from the arrival with rich, rewarding structure – a dollop of cream on warm stewed apple desert, sitting around the fireplace. If you’ve ever wondered why many older whiskies command such higher prices than their younger variants– splash out on a bottle of Glenfiddich 18 year old and become enlightened.
Appearance: Bronze.
Nose: Stewed apples, cinnamon spice, oak.
Palate: Apple, citrus, vanilla, rich and creamy.
Finish: Medium. Warming winter-time dessert.
Written by Jared Brown
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