Glenfiddich Project XX

I purchased this bottle at the distillery in Dufftown prior to its availability in the US. This is my second or third pour from the bottle since the purchase in May 2017, which by no means is any reflection of my take on the dram. The whisky has a wonderfully classic nose of caramel and oak. It leaves an expectation of sweetness. The first taste is much hotter than I anticipated but is calmed upon a second take. The overall sweetness is certainly present with a warm vanilla and hint of fruit - perhaps figs and pear. Certainly a well constructed whisky with definite hints of its time spent in multiple barrels.

Nose - Dark apple juice, light cinnamon, candied ginger, raisins, prunes, honey. Taste - White pepper/ginger spice/heat/tingle, honey, raisins, golden raisins, faint clove, cinnamon, light metallic, baked apples. Finish - Lingering lightly oaky white pepper/ginger heat, lingering honey, golden raisin sweet, apple skin/core bitter. Score - 86/100 Final Thoughts - This is an interesting Glenfiddich with an interesting concept of marrying 20 completely random casks together. On paper, it looks as if you'd just get a giant hot mess, but this somehow works in its own way. There's a nice balance of sweet port/sherry balanced with ex-bourbon to give this nice vanilla/fruit balance. I've only tried this neat, but I could see this at a slightly higher proof and NCF doing well in a cocktail that hightlights the spicy ginger aspects of this. Maybe something as simple as a highball. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe, I need to try more of the bottle to see if it's really worth it

Memories in Regina. Salty. Light. Mild burn.

Pleasant. Just like the description