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Scotch Whisky Review: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Reserve

Matured in a large vatting vessel that combines whiskies from ex-bourbon cask, ex-sherry, and ex-virgin oak casks, Glenfiddich 15 year old is the hidden gem in the core range.

OVERALL RATING

8
$60
  • Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant with over a decade of experience in whisky retail and online whisky education. Best known for hosting Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, he is dedicated to making whisky accessible and enjoyable by cutting through jargon and complexity.
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Tasting Notes

About:

A rather unique expression from the folks over at Glenfiddich. Matured in a large vatting vessel that combines whiskies from ex-bourbon cask, ex-sherry, and ex-virgin oak casks – plus some other ones I expect. Glenfiddich 15 year old is the hidden gem in the whole core range line up from the distillery. Bringing together some classic Glenfiddich light notes, as well as some deeper, richer flavours from numerous other cask types.


Appearance:
Orange
Nose:
This is a hidden sherry bomb! Loads of milk chocolate, raisin and marinated cherries and raisins. Some cider vinegar notes that contrast the richness from the casks used in their Solera system.
Palate:
More of this hidden sherry goodness! A sweet, rich and easy drinking combination of multiple casks types that lead the way with sherry intensity. Raisin, cherry and some earthy notes from things like mushrooms.

I know that’s a weird note but it has this rich creaminess to it that reminds me of mushrooms and butter. Outside of that it is still heavy with decadent sweetness. Very chocolate, marinated fruit and slightly bitter notes of orange oil and Aperol.
Finish:
Lovely finish. It’s got richness to it but it isn’t one of those whiskies where you’re one and done. This bottle could vanish quite quickly at a family event or between you and a few friends.
Comments:
I love this bottling. It’s easily the best in terms of pricing and flavour when it comes to the whole core line up.

In the past they’ve had distillery only options of this bottled at 50%+ and it was always a massively underrated expression from any Speyside distillery. The fact it has al of this flavour and doesn’t need to focus on what casks those flavours come from is a perfect showcase of how good Glenfiddich and Balvenie are at marrying liquids in larger vessels.

It has crept up in price over the years but even when compared to its older siblings it is totally worth it if you’re looking to source a bottle from the Glenfiddich Distillery. Packed with loads of sweet, savoury, earthy and diverse flavour profiles. This is a showcase of how wonderful solera vatting with single malt whisky can be.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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