GLENFIDDICH

Heres a short review about GLENFIDDICH. William Grant & Sons Ltd. is the company that makes Grant's Family Reserve, a blended scotch whisky which I consider a very poor entry level blended scotch whisky. It is weak in flavor, grainy and instantly forgettable.




William Grant & Sons Ltd. also make Glenfiddich single malt scotch at the distillery of the same name in Dufftown, Scotland. The Glenfiddich brand is a good one. The iconic triangular bottle that was introduced into the market place in the 1960's steadily grew in popularity until it appeared and continues to appear in virtually every bar in the world. So, can something so common be any good? Well, we know that Grant's Family Reserve is common, like chicken pox, but is not good. Meanwhile, Glenfiddich single malt scotch, regardless of how common it may be, actually is good!

The Glenfiddich product line starts with the 12 year old single malt, a citrus, honey, oak dram that is rounded and pleasing. Next up is the 15 year old, the subject of today's review. The 18 and 21 year olds are special also but will have to wait for another day. I gotta keep you coming back somehow!

When I indulge in the 15 year old, I am immediately struck by how much distance there is in quality between it and the 12 year old. While the 12 year old is a decent and pleasing introduction to Speyside single malts, it is the 15 year old that will reveal why single malts enjoy cult like affection from their admirers.




Color
Amber.

Nose (undiluted)
The aromas drifting upwards from your glass are heaven sent. Rich, fragrant spices with oak and a little peat swirl. Rarely does a single malt have aromas that can be termed complex, but this is one. A real treat to nose. The only other scotch with a possibly superior aroma is Johnnie Walker Gold Label. Is it better? I am unsure. They are both great.

Palate (undiluted)
The complexity promised by the aromas is fulfilled on the palate. Take a sip and you will enjoy honeyed, coffee crisp candy bar center, with an intricate spiciness. All of this takes place against a tapestry of oak and white chocolate.

Finish (undiluted)
Puckering dryness with intensifying spices moving eventually to mild peppercorns.

General Impressions
This is a light bodied single malt which showcases the best that Speyside has to offer. It is smooth, yet interesting. The honey and vanilla are there, coupled with oak and some toffee. You will enjoy a concentrated flavor profile. The honey flavors have a wild taste, some heather mixed in, making for a complex dram.

Good price! They could raise this price by $10 and it would not affect market share in my opinion.

If you like Dalwhinnie, Cragganmore, Chivas Regal 18 year old and in general anything from Speyside, then Glenfiddich 15 year Solera Reserve will not disappoint!

It's Tasting Time

Posted in: GLENFIDDICH,good taste,red wine,white wine