If you ask a typical bloke off the street to name a brand of single malt whisky, he’ll probably say Glenfiddich, Chivas Regal, or Johnnie Walker. Yes, it’s true that Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old is the most common twelve year old single malt whisky on the planet. When it comes to production, Glenfiddich cranks out more 12-year-old Scotch than any other distillery. Like The Dalmore, it uses a stag’s head with rack of antlers as its brand symbol–with perhaps, a bit less artistic flair. The name Glenfiddich means “Valley of the Deer” in Scottish Gaelic.
Glenfiddich distillery, as well as the river from which it takes its name, are both located a hop, skip, and a jump from Balvenie Distillery in the Speyside region of Scotland. Its water source is not the river, however. The Robbie Dhu Spring is used to make this famous single malt Scotch whisky.
Tasting Notes: Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old
Vital Stats: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch; 750 ml; 40% abv / 80 proof/ $22-$32 price range.
Appearance: Old gold.
Nose: Canned pear in light syrup; green apple; honey; pie crust; saw dust; limestone; dried riesling; malted milk chocolate.
Palate: Apple cobbler; orchard fruits; artificial vanilla extract; caramel; bitter oak; cinnamon; English breakfast tea.
The finish is medium to short with a bittersweet death. This malt is a quintessential yet unremarkable Speyside. I’ve tasted very good independent bottlings of Glenfiddich over the years, especially from Signatory, but all of the decent ones were over twenty years of age with a dramatic, sherry-enhanced presentation.
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