Glenfiddich 14 Year Bourbon Barrel Reserve

Review #012 Type: single malt scotch Strength: 43% Details: aged 14 years, matured in ex-bourbon casks, finished in new American oak Tasted after: Glenfiddich IPA Experiment Appearance (no score): Mahogany hue. Swirling shows a viscous line adhering to the glass, with legs forming rapidly. Nose: 16/20 Green apple, vanilla, apricot, caramel, and toffee. Palate: 30/40 Toasted wood, apples, vanilla, and caramel. Finish: 33/40 A medium-long finish begins with moderate oak spice, followed by dark chocolate, molasses, and perhaps a trace of raisins. The lingering sensation is one of leather and spices. With Water: Cinnamon emerges on the nose; oak spice intensifies on the palate and finish. Total: 79/100 Final thoughts: Likely one of the better single malt scotches I've encountered for its cost. Interestingly, some friends who are very keen on bourbon did not enjoy it when I shared it. It's undeniably a scotch, and while the bourbon influence is prominent and enjoyable, this is still a distinct spirit. Price: $55 Would recommend: perhaps Would buy: perhaps Scoring Guide: 96-100: The ultimate dram, truly exceptional, divine, I will cherish this bottle and make it last, 5 stars. 90-95: Nearly perfect, something truly special about this whisky, 4.75 stars. 85-89: Very good to amazing, almost complete, 4.5 stars. 80-84: Quite good, very enjoyable, but doesn't astound, 4.25 stars. 75-79: Good, enjoyable but ultimately flawed, unlikely to repurchase, 4 stars. 70-74: A solid dram, but wouldn't seek it out, 3.75 stars. 55-69: Drinkable, 3.5-2.75 stars. Below 55: Suitable for cooking or pouring down the drain, 2.5 stars or less.

A nose with a scotch-like character, mingled with bourbon notes. Sweetened notes of wheat and barley are clear, much like brown sugar atop cereal. Then, fruit fragrance emerges in the form of ripe pears and apples, presented with a generous amount of vanilla cream and a hint of orange oil. Lastly, a subtle foundation of barrel char, cavendish, cocoa, and cherry cough drops. The palate is zesty, distinctly tingly, and quite sweet. Malt and honey-dipped sour apples are primary, followed by sharp citrus. It then gives way to cherry syrup, vanilla, and spice notes common in bourbon. Medium body, with a lightly syrupy texture. A substantial band at mid-glass quickly divides into thin arches, spaced unevenly, eventually forming a consistent ring that hangs heavily yet stubbornly just above the liquid below. The finish shows oak and almond skins, while maintaining sweetness with candied bitter orange, a touch of molasses, and a custard powder flavor. A few drops of water enhance the nose with florals, especially peony and rose, mellow the palate, and enrich the finish by reducing bitterness and suggesting chocolate-covered raisins. Quite good, though perhaps a little unfocused. Nose: 9 Taste: 8 Body: 8 Finish: 9

It's nice to step away from the super limited or exclusive spirits for a bit. I recall when I was new to whiskey, I had some Glenfiddich 14, straight up, and it was one of the first single malts I really liked without anything added. We've all been through that phase of drinking it cold or with ice. I spotted a bottle of this at a shop I frequent and thought I'd revisit it. Sweet vanilla is the first thing you smell. Sweet candied citrus rind provides a bright, sweet burst before giving way to a touch of baking spice and apple caramel. The flavor is sweet and pleasantly fruity. Toffee, more of that apple caramel from the aroma, and vanilla blend with lively spices and just a hint of citrusy sourness. The spice continues into the finish, with some cinnamon that tingles the tongue. A bit of toasted oak gives it a slight dry, tannic quality, but it's not unpleasant. Definitely one of the superior "budget-friendly" single malt whiskies available. Excellent bang for your buck for an overlooked find.

Tasted in a Glencairn. Nose: Fruit! Prunes, dried figs, fresh apple and pear, faint sawdust, fruity sweetness is prominent. Palate: Medium body with some wood but sweetness takes over, dancing on the tongue with crisp apple, light caramel, pear, some vanilla, cedar, and lemon zest near the finish. Finish: Fruit skins quickly turn to oaky bitterness, which sticks around much longer but finally ends in tannic dryness. It's almost like chewing on a beaver dam, pleasantly so if that’s possible. I’m not a scotch connoisseur, but the bourbon character's impact here piqued my curiosity, and I can understand the appeal of this style. The balance of light fruitiness and rich oak is subtle, and the fainter bourbon hints make this a more attractive drink for someone like me. A spirit like this represents an intriguing crossover and an entry point to new tastes, which I appreciate. 3.5 from my untrained palate.

My entire Scotch exploration began with Glenfiddich 12. Prior to that, I was drinking Canadian Club and JD, so it truly revealed the potential of whisky to me. It's time to finally sample its slightly older sibling. The scent immediately brought to mind that initial taste of the 12. Juicy sweet apple, but with added caramel/vanilla notes from the bourbon cask. Surprisingly potent on the palate, and the flavors are somewhat indistinct. The apple is present, along with some charred bourbon and vanilla notes, but they don't quite harmonize for me. The finish is unexpectedly long and dry, with pleasant oak and spice. Honestly, it's a bit of a disappointment. The nose is very promising and the finish is decent, but the actual flavor doesn't quite deliver. I definitely prefer the clean, crisp taste of the 12 over this.

Nose is quite intriguing, fully embracing its cask origin. It's heavily focused on wood and spice, with a subtle caramelized sweetness, and a touch of fruitiness. Cocoa and vanilla are also present. On the palate, it shifts to a silkier feel with mellow caramel, apricot, and pear, alongside hints of chocolate. The bourbon cask then takes over, making the spirit a bit more robust. As expected, it's woody, with fresh American oak, spices, and alcohol warmth, even a slight earthy note. The finish maintains these qualities, with a final flourish of fruity notes. The texture is interesting, oily but not overwhelmingly so, with the ex-bourbon cask adding its appreciated touch for enthusiasts. Clearly superior to the much more basic 12-year-old version.