Glenfiddich 30 Year

I saved my "impressive Whisky Reviews from Scotland" for last and have finally taken the time to write about them. I began with the Dalmore 25yo and will now discuss this excellent Glenfiddich 30yo. There have been many different versions of Glenfiddich 30yo; this one is 40% ABV, an older bottling, the one with the triple XXX on the lower label. I also sampled this at the wonderful "The Grill" bar in Aberdeen. I wasn't sure what to anticipate, as the Glenfiddich 18yo felt "too fancy" to be good; the 21yo is different, being matured in rum casks; and the Snow Phoenix was superb but still missing something. Now, about this 30yo. On the nose, it's amazingly complex and great. Very old, thick caramel. Actually peaty! Heathery/smoky. I suspect they used some peat over 30 years ago, which was more common then; nowadays, they use unpeated barley for all expressions. Lots of chocolate emerges. Coffee; Red fruits that taste like aged cherries. Lemon, nice baked apples. Everything feels sweet but mature. It smells just like the caramel that comes straight from the cask and naturally seals it. Very complex. Oranges. After the first sip, vanilla appears. Very refined. AND THAT'S JUST THE NOSE. On the palate, it's not as complex, but still very good, not perfect. Super smooth. Oranges come through immediately. There's a subtle and pleasant oak spice. After 10 seconds in the mouth, some cider/apple flavor appears. Vanilla is also present, but quite diluted. Aftertaste is lovely: smoky, oaky, like old books, tobacco, very pleasant. It's as if everything has been toned down for your enjoyment. Balance is key here. A wonderful dram. Even with a very fancy flavor profile, it's fruity and enjoyable. No alcohol burn whatsoever. Great whisky, expensive, 98/100. Cheers!

It's Christmas, and we're at my niece and nephew's house for the holiday. They recently redid their home and welcomed a new baby. To mark these special times, he proudly opened the Glenfiddich 30 he'd been saving for a grand occasion and was happy to share it with me. I gladly accepted the moment, and we poured. Bottle: 7370 Cask Selection: 23 This really needs time to open up. After waiting, the aromas are almost palpable. Notes of black tea, molasses, cherry cordial chocolates, vanilla, heather, and honeysuckle floral scents are present. It's floral and sweet, very inviting. A gentle arrival brings very similar flavors to the nose. Sweet tea, milk chocolate, vanilla, toffee, gala apples, almonds, orange zest, ripe plums, and fruitcake notes emerge. The finish is long-lasting and has a lot to offer. Black pepper provides a lingering tingle on the tongue. Oak wood spice, vanilla, caramel, toffee, and leather notes are also found. It's aromatic and flavorful. Like any aged whisky, it needs time. Twenty to thirty minutes should do it. As it opens, it reaches its full potential. The sweetness of vanilla and toffee is beautifully balanced with fruits, chocolate, and spice, making this a fulfilling and enjoyable dram. It's one of the oldest I've tried. I'm glad I had the opportunity to experience and share it, especially on this day with family. Merry Christmas! [94/100][Tasted:12/25/21]

Part of a 2-3 hour tasting at the Glenfiddich Distillery. A royal visit was happening (along with a group of people and many members of the press) but management still made sure we were set up and well taken care of, stopping by to talk whiskies every 15 minutes. Outstanding service. It goes without saying but this 30-year was top of the heap. Perfectly well rounded, light and rich with subtleties in every sip. Cherries, apple spice and oranges, followed by vanilla, caramel, and chocolate notes throughout. A hint of coffee beans? Tobacco leaves. Toffee. Oak. Superbly complex and incredibly smooth. An absolute champ.🏆

A pleasant flavor profile but lacking body on the palate. Nose: Honey, Toffee, Green Apples, Pears, Red Apples, Cloves, Raisins Palate: Milk Chocolate, Plums, Raisins, Figs, Dates, Toasted Almonds, Walnuts, Banana Bread, Coffee Finish: Honey, Coconuts, Raisins, Cherries, Dark Chocolate, Mocha, Espresso

I wasn't as big a fan of this one compared to their other aged offerings. The oak and spice overpower the other flavors for me, and I could have done with slightly less peat.

This is a fantastic whiskey, though I'm unsure about its value for the cost. It's well-balanced, and you can certainly taste the expense.