Glenfiddich IPA Experiment

Finally getting to this. I did the XX and Fire & Cane 7-8 years ago at this point. I finally managed to get my hands on the first installment of this short-lived limited release line from Glenfiddich. I think I’ve chalked Winter Storm up to a miss at this point, so this should be the final installment right here. Let’s check it out. Nose: Fruity and floral. Apple, apricot, pear, and golden raisin. Toffee, honey, and vanilla. Coconut. Walnut and almond. Shea butter. Pineapple. Caramel and butterscotch. Marshmallow. Palate: Big time vanilla frosting, toffee, and honey. Milk chocolate to boot, along with caramel. A touch of peanut/almond butter. Sugar cookie. Apple, pear, apricot. White grape and golden raisin. Orange citrus. Plum. Some almond and walnut. White pepper, clove, and nutmeg. Finish: Almond and walnut. Plum, raisin, date, fig. Much darker and more plush fruit than the generally light and more confectionery palate. White pepper, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Moderate length. As far as I know, this was one of the first widely-distributed Scotches to be finished in IPA casks—and beer barrels in general. It set a trend that money have since followed. This may not seem very revolutionary now that I’m reviewing it in 2025; nevertheless, this truly was, as advertised, an Experiment. And I think it’s one that paid off. It’s a more full-bodied experience with less of that awful astringent taste you get from a 40% ABV bottling, and even throws in some exotic, tropical notes. That last part came as a pleasant surprise. I like. I think they should bring it back. I think it should replace the 12 year old. At any rate, this is one of the better Glenfiddich expressions I’ve had. I paid $70 for a limited release that’s almost a decade beyond the year it hit the market for maybe a slight markup—the juice was worth the squeeze here—on every front. It’s palatable for the beginner, but has enough going on to amuse a more experienced sipper. Solid stuff. 4/5 even.