Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask 19 Year

Stop number 45 on the SDT is Glenfiddich. At one point, this Speyside distillery was the world's top-selling single malt before being surpassed by Glenlivet. This special release differs from their usual expressions not only in age but also because it's exclusively matured in ex-bourbon casks, unlike others which are finished in sherry casks. It's bottled at 40% ABV and is most likely chill-filtered, with added coloring that gives it an amber hue. The nose is surprisingly potent for only 40% ABV. The ex-bourbon maturation is very prominent. Caramel, vanilla, oak. Wood spices like cinnamon and ginger. It also has fruity notes – apples, toasted coconut, banana, and red berries. It's quite creamy too, like buttercream, peaches and cream. A fairly robust nose, warm and inviting. There's a little brown sugar and just a hint of mint. Some honey and a light floral note. Nice. The palate's arrival is smooth, similar to a watered-down bourbon – that's not a criticism, just an observation. It's fruity with apples, apricots, and berries. Bitter almonds and walnuts appear. Oak, cinnamon, vanilla, and honey are present. It's not quite as complex as I had hoped, but it's good and easy to drink. It's light-bodied but mouth-coating and a bit oily. The finish is medium-short, with slightly bitter nuts, oak, and is fairly dry. The bourbon character is strong here. It tastes more like a bourbon matured in ex-bourbon barrels than a scotch in ex-bourbon barrels. I expected more from a 19-year-old, but I'm not disappointed either. It's warm and very drinkable, but not worth the premium price of $170. Overall, it's pretty good, but nothing particularly special. Score: 3.75. Many thanks to a friend for offering up this expensive bottle for our tasting. Cheers

The weather here in central Virginia has been rainy and cool, creating the perfect atmosphere for relaxing with some whisky in front of the TV. It's time to open a few more samples from my contacts in the Scottish Distillery Group and get to work. Tonight's first selection is this relatively rare, costly, and aged offering from Glenfiddich: the 19 Year Old Age of Discovery (Bourbon Cask). A friend provided this one. It has a bright, shiny copper color in the glass and emits a scent of freshly cut oak as soon as it's poured. It also leaves oily, fast-moving legs when swirled. The aroma is predominantly bourbon-like, with cinnamon and peppery oak spices, and a peculiar musty smell emerges after letting it breathe for over 15-20 minutes. It wasn't offensive, just unusual. This oddity didn't carry over into the initial taste, so no harm done. The palate offers more bourbon cask influence, cinnamon, cut oak, and a subtle sweetness. It didn't linger long, so I didn't have much opportunity to discern other specific flavors. The finish is medium in length, transitioning from warm to spicy, and dry. More pleasant oak notes remained on the tongue, providing a nice contrast to the very fruity, sweet scotch I paired it with. Many thanks to my friend for sharing this, as it's been on my radar for a while, and I find it difficult to spend over $175 on a Glenfiddich. Yes, I am that particular drinker you may have read about. It gets 4 stars. What's next?

My history with this distillery has been rocky. Their general profile has never truly captivated me, with the exception of the 15 Year Solera. Through our tasting collective, I have the privilege of sampling items I likely wouldn't acquire myself. This highlights the advantages of group tastings, allowing for unexpected discoveries or confirmation of expectations. This particular expression is intriguing: nineteen years of age and sherry maturation. The aroma presents floral and fruity notes. I detect cherries and pears, alongside vanilla and honey. A distinct scent of suede, unusual for me, is present, with some straw lending an earthy foundation to the spirit. Nutmeg and cinnamon are present within a delicate and soft body. A subtle sweetness of vanilla and honey emerges. Curiously, as it develops, notes of root beer appear. This requires significant time and only manifests briefly before shifting to a flavor reminiscent of brewed tea. The conclusion is brief. Oak and assorted nuts are accompanied by a hint of honey and a ginger and cinnamon tingle. A pleasant, accessible spirit that is understated yet easily appreciated. A straightforward drinker. However, it didn't quite resonate with me. Given its nineteen years and sherry aging, my expectations were elevated. I wouldn't decline it, but I also wouldn't actively seek it out. [Dry Glass: Melted caramels][85/100][Tasted: 10/27/15]

Before discussing this dram, let's be clear about a few points: 1.- I previously tried the 19yo age of discovery madeira wood cask. It's superior to this one, though they are quite similar. 2.- In my opinion, sophisticated whiskies are somewhat easier to drink, lacking bold flavors or aromas. 3.- This is an excellent dram, and my score won't fully reflect its quality. With that said, this 40% ABV dram is one of three special bottles in Glenfiddich's "Age of Discovery" line, and I must say, it's as impressive as the madeira wood cask I reviewed earlier this year. The aroma is somewhat subdued but lovely: salt, wine, brown sugar, milk chocolate, and juicy purple grapes. The flavor was an absolute delight, very, very sweet, with sugar, ginger, and liquorice. It's remarkably marvelous and coats the palate. I detect honey and mellowed toffee notes. Sweet and easygoing. The finish is very short with a beautiful peppery spice. Due to the brief finish and understated aroma, I must reluctantly give it a 90 out of 100, but it feels like it deserves more. A great dram. Get it.

It's clearly influenced by bourbon. I enjoy their 14-year bourbon barrel, particularly when you can still find it around $60, as an easy everyday sipper. This expression is that solid bottle multiplied by 100 in terms of flavor depth, recognizing that the dominant notes come from the bourbon (which is why you'd buy it). It features toffee, vanilla, and fruit – apple... zesty citrus? that transitions into a more caramelized wood finish. The wood is the primary flavor contributor here, adding leather and a pleasant bitter tanginess just before the apple and spiciness wash through. It doesn't hit a lot of amazing notes like some others in the $150+ price range can, but it's very good. I tried it with a few scotch novices and some experienced drinkers at the table, and they all loved this one. With that said, while I would recommend it, I also wouldn't buy another bottle at the $180 I paid.

This is one of my contributions from our small Scottish distilleries sample trading team, specifically to represent an offering from Glenfiddich. You simply can't go wrong with this one; it's safe and elegant, without any rough edges or challenging aromas. Almonds and vanilla greet you as soon as you open the bottle. The palate has elegant eastern spices like nutmeg, cloves, and more vanilla. It has no burn. Of the Glenfiddichs I've tried, this is probably my new favorite (previously it was XX). It's very refined, well-balanced... austere comes to mind. It's amazing how an extra year adds to the depth of this Glenfiddich compared to the 18, which I find rough and almost bland. If you're looking to impress your in-laws over the holidays, this is the bottle to open after a hearty Thanksgiving meal.