Glenfiddich 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve

Aromas of butterscotch with candied coconut on the nose. The palate follows, with the coconut sweetness predominating, and a note of something between toffee and vanilla. It's a normal scotch journey in its development, but finishes with bold bourbon flavors - mainly barrel char and vanillas. These flavors linger into acidic citrus and wood . The new oak finishing is the obvious influence here. The length and character of development in the palate journey does remind me of some very good finished bourbons. But this misses their quality. No doubt, it's a very fine gateway scotch for bourbon drinkers. But at a speculative gloss, it's a tad boring for any experienced scotch drinker. This has impressed me with the same ambivalence I feel towards most Irish and Japanese whiskies. That is, I don't mind drinking it. I often enjoy it. But really, it just makes me want to drink a tastier scotch instead.

Great gateway bottle to the world of Scotch. Nose is light peaty fruit, vanilla and burnt sugar. Palate brings more vanilla, maybe a little honey and spice. Finish is smooth with Smokey oak and spice. Warms you up just a tad.

Vanilla, honey, oak. Light fruity flavor (apples). Tannic oaky finish.