Glenfiddich Gran Reserva

From WhIsKI

Glen Fiddich Gran Reserva 21yo

Had this one for Christmas dinner with the Hollimans. Ian Banks, in In Search of the Perfect Dram, almost commits to this being his perfect dram. But I suspect he is swayed by his anti-Americanism since this particular Whisky cannot be made available in the good ol' USA on account of it being aged in Cuban Rum casks.

Plenty of peat on the nose makes it atypical for Speyside but otherwise not stunning. The punch is in the taste. Seems this dram has a bit of everything. From caramels and vanilla from the wood, to the entire mulling spice rack. Cherries. Pepper. Missing salt, seaweed, and subtlety. Loooong finish.

A fine dram. Maybe not a personal top five, but a crowd-pleaser for when you don't know your guests' tastes. Indeed, one Scotch dislover had a few nips.

£50 at Royal Mile Whiskies, December 17, 2006.

[ Eric ]