robwalker
Glenfiddich 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed
January 10, 2021 (edited October 29, 2021)
My second drink from this bottle after receiving it as a Christmas gift. The first go around, I did a flight of Glenfiddich 12, this, and Project XX. Not surprisingly, both the 14 and Project XX stood out well above the 12, although I feel you just can't go wrong with the 12 sometimes. Ultimately I recall thinking the 14 came out on top versus the XX, but now after an evening of de-Christmasing, I'm going to sit down and enjoy the 14 a little more thoroughly...
Nose
Orange marmalade and bitter citrus peel. Some dark cherry and vanilla following. Coming back to it, a slight trace of fresh banana bread finishes things out
Palate
Starts very smooth, ramping into a really wonderful spiciness. Prominent vanilla and oak. Very nice, full flavor with a nice oily mouthfeel. Subtle caramel apple and just overall very rich and enjoyable.
Finish
Medium length, but just a bit thin. Remnants of it carry into the next sip. The lingering flavours are very malt forward, with a slight bitterness. The finish is where I maybe am wanting a touch more, although with a larger sip or starts to really expand and linger, making me question my words.
Overall really a nicely balanced whisky and overall almost a bit of a chameleon, being able to change with each sip and make me question my comments! With my glass empty now, I poured a splash more, as well as the Project XX and they have a similar profile, however the 14 feels fuller. I think the Project XX wins in the finish as well as the overall look and packaging, not that the latter does any good once it's in your glass! Value for dollar, the 14 is a significant step up from the 12 and I'm not sure that Project XX is worth the extra $30 CDN.
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