Review: Glenfiddich 15 year old "Distillery Edition"

Описание: A review of Glenfiddich 15 year old "Distillery Edition," which is a relatively recent addition to the Glenfiddich product line.

This particular extension of the Glenfiddich brand was launched around 2010, first available at the distillery and some duty free shops. Two years later, distribution was expanded considerably to more conventional brick and mortar liquor stores.

At 51% ABV, this single malt is not for the novice or newbie Scotch whisky enthusiast. It is powerful and better suited to the connoisseur. I would also suggest anyone interested in trying this single malt to add water. For example to a double pour, try 1/4 of a teaspoon of still water. The addition of water brings out a more complex, textured flavor profile.

Speaking of flavor profile, you are probably wondering what this single malt tastes like.

Nose (undiluted)
Strong notes of grapefruit, exotic citrus, pineapple, and wood.

Palate (undiluted)
Powerful, bursting with flavor. Deep caramel, spiced orange, and black pepper.

Finish (undiluted)
Sherry notes come to the forefront, followed by oak, and black pepper.

. . .

Nose (diluted)
Becomes much more friendly, good sherry, vanilla, peat and sea air make an appearance.

Palate (diluted)
The addition of water makes the sherry character of this malt become more velvety and nuanced. The sherry flavors are counter-balanced by ex-bourbon casks that went into the making of this malt.

Finish (diluted)
Drying across the palate with sherry, malt, salt and wee bit of black pepper. Some smoke too.

. . .

General Impressions
This is not a whisky that is peaty or smokey. Instead, it is sherried with accents of ex-bourbon casks. If you like Macallan 12 but seek more kick, you will enjoy this malt. If you like The GlenDronach 12 or anything from Glenfarclas, again you will enjoy this malt.

I am surprised at how drinkable this single malt is in spite of the 51% ABV, but given the high ABV it is surely intended to be enjoyed with a wee water.

Conclusion
I recommend serious whisky enthusiasts give this a try!

Cheers!


Jason Debly

For more reviews, please visit my blog: http://jason-scotchreviews.blogspot.ca/