Scotch

Scotch Whisky Review: Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve

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Scotch Whisky Review: Glenfiddich 14 Year Old Bourbon Barrel Reserve

Glenfiddich 14 Year Old is matured in bourbon and then finished in virgin American oak casks, showcasing a different influence on Glenfiddich's fruity, gentle whisky.

by Phil Dwyer
March 11, 2025

Phil Dwyer is a whisky enthusiast, YouTuber, and manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.

Tasting Notes:

About:

A bourbon cask matured expression from Glenfiddich, but with a finish in freshly charred virgin American oak casks. This is an interesting expression as it shows off how versatile Glenfiddich’s spirit can be. Virgin oak typically only makes an appearance in the Glenfiddich 15 year old, it makes up some of the stock that feeds into their Solera system. However, this is something that shows off how good this oak influence can be on Glenfiddich’s fruity, delicate style of new-make spirit.

Appearance:

Dark Gold

Nose:

Loads of butter, shortbread and toffee sauce!

This virgin oak cask finish is giving all of the wonderful notes we want from bourbon. We have toffee, vanilla, burnt sugar, coconut and some little hints of apple and more tropical fruits like pineapple and mango.

There are some touches of oak on the nose, but that’s to be expected on something this old with virgin oak influences.

Palate:

Even more of that buttery, sweet style. This is quite a standout expression in the Glenfiddich line up, for me anyway.

Tingles and flavours of some dominant American oak, you get a subtle dryness and waves of gentle oak that helps to balance out the richness of the profile.

Outside of that we’ve got more caramel, toffee, milk chocolate, elderflower and a creaminess that reminds me of vanilla custard.

Finish:

The oak is more present again and it does give you that big feel of a bourbon. Beyond that we have those vanilla custard notes, a slight grassy finish and some soft waves of toffee sauce, sticky toffee pudding, some honey and fresh vanilla.

Comments:

This was a delicious thing to try! Its what I want from Glenfiddich 12 year old, but not necessarily with the virgin oak influences. As much as I do love it.

The slightly higher strength, the additional oak influences, the way this bottle showcases the house style of Glenfiddich whilst still being able to offer a bigger, bolder and longer lasting flavour profile that does show off some of the weaknesses of younger, lower ABV expression in the modern whisky world.

Virgin oak maturation on Scottish whisky can be hit or miss. Some brands have done very well in the past with it, BenRiach and Glen Garioch spring to mind. However, others have fallen flat as the oak can be too influential and just over power everything that is loved about single malt. This Glenfiddich expression has nailed it.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. 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 manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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