Glenfiddich 18 Year

Sweet fruity vanilla :)

Having just enjoyed the holidays, this whisky is reminiscent of them, with aromas and flavors of good things baking: date cookies, gingerbread, dried fruits. Without question, a pleasant drinking experience. That said, this sample dram has helped me understand that at US $99 locally, this one is just too "okay" to justify a purchase. I could see this being a good drink to accompany conversation with friends or colleagues (about something other than whisky) or as one to relax with when not in the mood to contemplate complexities -- if it were sold at half the price. To me, it's not rare, unusual, challenging, or interesting enough to warrant a purchase. I will invest my whisky dollars elsewhere.

This is a 2016 Xmas gift from Cricket. The 18 year old is made in small batches, and the batches are mixed after 18 years to be married for 3 months, producing specialized blends. this is batch #3585. She is so sweet. Nose of sugarcane, lightly toasted caramel, apples and pears. I think of pirates in the Caribbean and vacations on beaches. Sweet rum is present, followed with a sweet bourbon. A light oak finish. I'd have to say this may be my favourite whiskey so far.

Winding down on a post-Christmas evening. From a sample pack I have received, wanted to give this a more in depth analysis. I generally am not on the Glenfiddich camp, but, hey, free whisky, more times than not, is better than no whisky. A gentle nose that yields butterscotch, honey, tropical fruits and sugar cookies. Give it time, as I find older whisky needs, reveals a sweet palate. Brown sugar and toffee that fades to ginger spice with a touch of oak. The oak and ginger with a touch of youth hotness remain as the sweetness all quickly dissipates and not very long . This is a very straightforward whisky that is average and simple, which is quite ironic given it's age. Hard to justify the cost given is simpleness. A Glenlivet 12 at more than half the cost can deliver similar qualities. [Dry Glass: Toffee][84/100][Tasted: 12/26/16; 10/15/14]