A pair of rather humble Glenfiddich


September 8, 2017

A pair of rather humble Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich’s turn again. Let’s first try an older regular 12, the one that used to be available all around the world, including on boats and airplanes, and then we’ll have a newer 15 yo.

Glenfiddich 12 yo ‘Special Reserve’ (43%, OB, +/-1990)

That famous 12 that used to be the most popular single malt in the world. This one as still labelled as ‘Pure Single Malt’. Colour: gold. Nose: it was rather raw and spirity, very malty at first, porridge-y, with then the expected pears, and overripe apples. A dry woodiness in the background, as well as something slightly metallic. No nosing whisky, but let’s remember we used to drink this one on a lot of ice cubes. Mouth: really punchy, certainly not as ‘smooth’ as I remembered, with tart apples and a peppery citrus, then raw malt and notes of cardboard. Bigger than its contemporary blends for sure, and much rawer than earlier NASs or 8yos. Finish: medium, acrid, rather pungent. Sour apples. Comments: not all older bottlings were better. SGP:351 - 73 points.

Glenfiddich 15 yo ‘Distillery Edition’ (51%, OB, +/-2016)

We last tried a previous edition of the 15 DE – formerly 15 Cask Strength - in 2010. All versions had been ‘very good, not great’ (around WF 80-82). Colour: deep gold. Nose: parentage is obvious, bit this is rounder, has more fresh oak, more vanilla, and brighter, cleaner pears. Almost oak-aged williams pear eau-de-vie. Okay, pushing it a bit… With water: it’s the barley that comes out. Becomes a gristy baby! Mouth (neat): solid citrusy arrival, with notes of citrus hop IPA (Citra or something, can’t quite remember), then the usual green apples and pears. Tends to become very peppery. With water: really improves, gaining fresh fruitiness and that feeling of ‘wandering throughout an orchard in August’, which, I agree, is good timing. Finish: medium, rather soft, with good apples and a little lemon juice. A little green pepper in the aftertaste, as well as a little honey. Peppered pears as well. Comments: a solid dram at a rather fair price (around 50€). SGP:451 - 82 points.

Check the index of all Glenfiddich I've tasted so far