Glenfiddich 15 Year Distillery Edition

Nose: A gentle blend of fruity aromas (apples, peaches, pears) with a touch of vanilla and oak spice. Water brings out sweet orange and fresh-milled barley grist. Overall fresh, soft, and relaxing. Palate: Easy upon arrival with sweet cereal and citrus notes, it becomes spicy as it develops with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of white pepper. It remains smooth, but a soft tannic presence turns bitter/sour towards the finish. The texture is unremarkable. Adding water significantly enhances the palate with more sweetness and integration. It also reveals more spices - cloves, allspice, and anise (though quite mild). Finish: Short. Dry malty notes when neat. With water, the finish is more gradual (though still short) and the aftertaste is sweeter and creamy with a citrus hint. The official tasting notes are accurate, but I wouldn't score this whisky quite as highly. Initially, I considered this a fairly average malt with little of interest, but it improved over time, especially with a teaspoon of water. Tasted from a 30ml sample. Recently, its price increased from just under $100 to around $135, making it outclassed by competitors at that price point; I would not recommend it. "Above Average": 82/100 (3.25 stars)

Higher proof spirits are now my preference, I desire their entire selection, abundant aromatic qualities, and plentiful flavors. This is the Glenfiddich Distiller's edition, 15 years old, 51% alcohol by volume. Its aging involved ex-oloroso sherry barrels and ex-bourbon barrels. On the nose, it presents the most abundant fruitiness ever encountered. Every fruit imaginable is present. Citrus, stone fruits; the fruitiness is overwhelming. Candied citrus notes. Considering its 51% alcohol by volume, it's remarkably approachable. No alcoholic sharpness. Notes of vanilla and caramel. Red fruits, fresh fruits, and milk powder. On the palate, it possesses significant character. Very piquant. Notes of almonds, exceptionally viscous and woody. Stone fruits, hazelnuts, red apples, cinnamon, and the peel of red apples. An amazing finish. The most delightful black pepper and cinnamon spiciness ever experienced. Exquisite. Extremely lengthy. In conclusion, this is an outstanding whisky. For eighty dollars, I would absolutely endorse it. Rated 92 out of 100.

Nose: Warm and gentle spice, toasted bread, ginger, candied ginger with peel, light earthy bitterness. Palate: Gentle heat/tingle, apple/pear, dark simple syrup, light ginger spice, creamy/waxy texture, light golden raisin sweetness. Finish: Lingering waxy texture, sweet apples, toasted brioche, ginger heat, light bitterness that comes and goes. Score: 81/100 Final Thoughts: This one was a bit muted initially on the nose but eventually opened up after a few minutes to a fairly standard unpeated malt profile of apples/pears and warm/toasted malt. The creamy/waxy mouthfeel was a bit unexpected, reminding me of a Clynelish. The higher proof was nice, but the bitterness on the finish was somewhat surprising. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - No

Wow, my 300th tasting note... Does this make me an enthusiast, a connoisseur, or someone who needs to get a life? Regardless, I LOVE WHISKY and I liked this expression. It's a little flawed, the way some of the notes just don't come together nicely, but I appreciate the craft behind its making and the end result is pleasant. The nose has wonderful hints of apple juice and oak (much more bourbon than sherry), with a very faint note of honey. The palate is full and savory thanks to its 51% ABV, and the finish is smooth and long-lasting. Good stuff.

Nose- fruit and vanilla forward with some barnyard hay. Palate- I enjoyed the vanilla flavors and the mouthfeel. Reminded me of vanilla custard pie. It was uncomplicated, very direct, but simultaneously a very satisfying dram. Some peppery notes appeared at the end of the sip. Finish- concluded with that same vanilla custard note it began with. Overall- I liked this one. It was somewhat one-dimensional, but it executed its single dimension well!

The nose has apples, honey, and a touch of floral. The palate is warm and sweet, featuring more orchard fruit, hints of melon, and slightly astringent oak tannins. The finish is quite dry and lasts a good while. It's alright on its own, but benefits greatly from a few drops of water.