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- Jan 25, 2015
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I am a long time lover of the of a wee dram. For me it is more of a summer time indulgence though I may pour one at any time of year. I want to start this thread with what is maybe the most recognizable single malt in the world...Glenfiddich 12 year old. I know, I know....who would buy and drink that?! Well for many years I have left this inexpensive (less than $40 a bottle) on the shelf and picked something else. Don't really know why other than I had always heard that it was a "beginner's drink", not very good, boring etc. Somewhat considered the "Jim Beam White label" of the single malt world. Everyone knows that the experts say that is swill right? Well I happen to like Jim Beam White label on occasion so I decided that I needed to get off my high horse, buy a bottle of this Glenfiddich 12 and decide for myself. I did.
This is readily available in almost any store in any part of the country. Comes in the familiar triangular green bottle. Made and bottled in in Dufftown in the Speyside region of Scotland. The distillery provides the following information:
12 years old, 40%ABV, matured for 12 years in American Oak that previously held bourbon and then Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. They are silent on how long a time was spent in each cask though I suspect it wasn't in the sherry cask very long. After the 12 year maturation each cask is dumped into a Portuguese oak marrying tuns for about 9 months to marry all the different casks together to provide consistency of flavor from bottle to bottle.
Glenfiddich , meaning Valley of the Deer, was built and founded by William Grant and his 7 sons in the summer of 1886. It claims to be the world's most awarded malt Scotch whisky. It certainly is the most sold single malt Scotch whisky in the world.
Some general information before you read my impressions. I always let a pour of scotch sit at least 15 minutes before I nose or taste. I always add a few drops and I mean drops of water as I find that it really opens up the bouquet. At 40% ABV this one only takes 2 or 3 drops of water to do the trick. On higher proofs (greater than 45% ABV I will add a bit more water). The intent of the water is to open the bouquet not decrease the alcohol level. For me half the enjoyment of a dram of scotch is in the bouquet so I use the Glencairn exclusively for my Scotch indulgences.
Appearance
Bright amber gold with very light thin legs
Nose
Sherry first, then a bit of caramel, some maltiness, fruity and a touch of oak.
Taste
First flavor to hit is Apple and pear, honeyed sweetness, baking spices and a touch of oaky vanilla on the backend. Very smooth, medium to light bodied.
Finish
Surprising long..all pear and honey. Very pleasant.
Summary
This is very good whiskey. At less than $40 a bottle it is the dang near perfect everyday Speyside. It's not very complex or challenging but it is very tasty and enjoyable. Yes there are many better ones out there and you will pay for them accordingly but there is nothing wrong with this one. Tasty, straightforward. Give it a try even if you tried it years ago. You might find that with your now more sophisticated palate that you can really appreciate the nuances of this Speyside malt.
This is readily available in almost any store in any part of the country. Comes in the familiar triangular green bottle. Made and bottled in in Dufftown in the Speyside region of Scotland. The distillery provides the following information:
12 years old, 40%ABV, matured for 12 years in American Oak that previously held bourbon and then Spanish Oloroso sherry casks. They are silent on how long a time was spent in each cask though I suspect it wasn't in the sherry cask very long. After the 12 year maturation each cask is dumped into a Portuguese oak marrying tuns for about 9 months to marry all the different casks together to provide consistency of flavor from bottle to bottle.
Glenfiddich , meaning Valley of the Deer, was built and founded by William Grant and his 7 sons in the summer of 1886. It claims to be the world's most awarded malt Scotch whisky. It certainly is the most sold single malt Scotch whisky in the world.
Some general information before you read my impressions. I always let a pour of scotch sit at least 15 minutes before I nose or taste. I always add a few drops and I mean drops of water as I find that it really opens up the bouquet. At 40% ABV this one only takes 2 or 3 drops of water to do the trick. On higher proofs (greater than 45% ABV I will add a bit more water). The intent of the water is to open the bouquet not decrease the alcohol level. For me half the enjoyment of a dram of scotch is in the bouquet so I use the Glencairn exclusively for my Scotch indulgences.
Appearance
Bright amber gold with very light thin legs
Nose
Sherry first, then a bit of caramel, some maltiness, fruity and a touch of oak.
Taste
First flavor to hit is Apple and pear, honeyed sweetness, baking spices and a touch of oaky vanilla on the backend. Very smooth, medium to light bodied.
Finish
Surprising long..all pear and honey. Very pleasant.
Summary
This is very good whiskey. At less than $40 a bottle it is the dang near perfect everyday Speyside. It's not very complex or challenging but it is very tasty and enjoyable. Yes there are many better ones out there and you will pay for them accordingly but there is nothing wrong with this one. Tasty, straightforward. Give it a try even if you tried it years ago. You might find that with your now more sophisticated palate that you can really appreciate the nuances of this Speyside malt.
