Glenfiddich 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve

A “scotchy” nose infused with bourbon. Sweetened wheat and barley notes are prominent, like brown sugar on Grape-Nuts cereal. Then fruit fragrantly blossoms in the form of ripe pears and apples, served up alongside a large dollop of vanilla cream and a drop of orange oil. Finally, a subtle base of barrel char, cavendish, cocoa and Luden’s cherry cough drops. The palate is spicy, peculiarly prickly, and quite sweet. Malt and honey dipped sour apples take the lead followed by sharp citrus. Then it yields to cherry syrup, vanilla, and spice notes typical of bourbon. Medium bodied, with a thinly syrupy mouthfeel. A thick band at mid glass quickly breaks into thin arches variably spaced, eventually collecting into a uniform ring hanging heavily yet defiantly just above the liquid below. The finish reveals oak and almond skins, yet retains sweetness with candied bitter orange, a touch of molasses, and Bird’s Custard Powder. A few drops of water open the nose bringing florals, particularly peony and rose, softens the palate, and enriches the finish cutting the bitterness and hinting at Raisinets. Pretty good, if not a bit confused. Nose: 9 Taste: 8 Body: 8 Finish: 9

Love how woody this is. Brings beautiful nice Speyside notes. Balance between them is superb.

Review #012 Type: single malt scotch Proof: 43% Comments: aged 14 years, ex-bourbon maturation, finished in new American oak Tasted after: Glenfiddich IPA Experiment Appearance (no score): Mahogany color. Swirling reveals a thick line sticking to the side of the glass, legs form quickly. Nose: 16/20 Green apple, vanilla, apricot, caramel, and toffee. Palate: 30/40 Charred wood, apples, vanilla, and caramel. Finish: 33/40 Medium-long finish, opens with some moderate oak spice, then I get dark chocolate, molasses, and maybe a hint of raisins, final taste in my mouth is that of leather and spices. With Water: Cinnamon now on the nose, increased oak spiciness on the palate and finish. Total: 79/100 Final thoughts: Probably one of the better single malt scotches I’ve tried for the price. Interestingly I’ve shared this with some friends who are very into bourbon and they did not care for it. It’s definitely a scotch, and while the bourbon influence is heavy and enjoyable, this is still a very different animal. Price: $55 Would recommend: maybe Would buy: maybe Scoring Legend: 96-100: The perfect dram, absolutely exceptional, nectar of the gods, I will savor this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Near perfect, there is something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost the complete product, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable to drink, but doesn’t wow me, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to purchase again, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't go out of my way to get it, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or direct contribution to the kitchen sink drain, 2.5 stars or less.