This evening's review of Glenfiddich is part of a national Scotch Sip-Off that is taking place tonight. We, the lovers of the most exquisite creation of single malt, have united this fine night to bring you our tastings of some of the finest scotches on the market today. Tonight's most esteemed participants are Counsel, Leah, Caconti, Caravan 70, kurt_messick, and mshawpyle. Each of their reviews can be easily accessed from their member pages, and I strongly encourage you to read their wonderful and informative takes on this Gaelic ambrosia. Now, time for me to break the seal on a new bottle...

Why choose Glenfiddich Special Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whiskey? At a pathetic $23 a bottle how much more could it have going for it than a perversely long name? Well friends and disbelievers, my goal tonight is demonstrate to you that a virtuous and blissful bottle of single malt can be had even on a budget!

My first bottle of this heavenly scotch was given to me this past summer by a close friend who was trying to convert me from wine and beer to something a bit harder. Since then we have grown apart and see each other rarely, but when we do the conversation inevitably turns to the nights spent downing Glenfiddich and arguing about politics...

The History of Glenfiddich

Glenfiddich, which means "Valley of the Deer", is a product of William Grant & Sons. William Grant opened a distillery in the valley, located near Dufftown in the Scottish Highlands, back in 1886. A little over a year later the distillery churned out its first production of Glenfiddich and has never looked back. In fact, the company is still run today by fifth generation descendants of the visionary William.

Tasting Notes

Prior to tasting, I would like to explain a bit about the maturation process of this single malt. I don't bring up the ingredients because they are simply water, malted barley and yeast(the water of course supplied by the local Robbie Dhu spring). Where single malt begins to take on it's true character is during the maturation process, where it spends time aging in oak casks. Glenfiddich casts are aged, but not by the company itself. They've been bought from other sources that used them but have since passed them on, such as defunct American bourbon distilleries. There they sit in homes of oak, taking in the qualities of the wood and releasing alcohol, lovingly referred to as the "Angel's Share". The final product is then made by "marrying" barrels of varied ages to come up with a scotch that meets the Master Distiller's vision for Glenfiddich Special Reserve.

When poured into a glass, Glenfiddich has a dry nose, with faint floral scents and a honey sweetness. The first taste is smooth and warm, with a faint peatiness that quickly morphs into a more oaken sweetness. I occasionally find a subtle hint of bourbon notes here, a byproduct of the recycled casks which may be physical or just psychological(we spirit snobs sometimes imagine these things). The finish is long and lingering, a pleasant earthy warmth that spreads throughout the body.

Serving Notes

The traditional, and far superior, way to drink a good single malt is to simply pour it in a glass...no ice or water. This facilitates a full appreciation for the complexity and luxurious character of the scotch. However, I often cheat a bit and slightly chill the glass a little.

WARNING-The following recommendations are NOT for single malt purists, and in fact they border on alcoholic blasphemy. That having been said, they're still quite enjoyable for those of us who like to play with our booze.

A mixed scotch drink I recommend, while accepting no responsibility for its somewhat offensive name, is the Irish Carbomb. An adaptation of the classic boiler maker, it's as easy as dropping a shot glass full of Glenfiddich in the bottom of a pint of Guinness. Drink up fast, because this drink is truly explosive!

Although I am guaranteed years of abuse for this, I must confess that I occasionally use my Glenfiddich to mix a most splendid whiskey sour. A rare indulgence that I only partake in when on vacation of some sort, the sweetness of the scotch makes a perfect contrast to the sour mix. Don't judge me until you try it!

Pricing & Availability

At $23, Glenfiddich Special Reserve is the cheapest of the line and also relatively inexpensive in the world of single malts, where a superior bottle will cost upwards of $70. As it is one of the more reasonably priced and well known single malt producers, Glenfiddich products are farily easy to find at any good liquor store.


The Final Verdict

My goal tonight is not to prove, unlike some of the other contestants, that my product is king. Instead I've decided to show you a Prince in the court of single malt, a singularly enjoyable and well-priced product that would make a welcome addition to any liquor collection. The Everyman's ambrosia, Glenfiddich Special Reserve Single Malt Scotch Whiskey is a notable contender in a highly competitive field...


*For more information of Knob Creek Bourbon, see me review at: http://theseus.epinions.com/fddk-Spirits-By_Name-All-Knob_Creek_Kentucky_Straight_Bourbon_Whiskey



Recommended: Yes