Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams 2012 Canadian Edition

88/100 Firstly, I need to point out this is the American version, not the Canadian. I have it here because it was the only one I could find. I don't anticipate it will matter much, as the whiskey was barreled after its "tour of dreams" in both Canada and the US and was fully matured in Scotland. Nose: A honeyed sweetness with hints of pear, apple, and fig over a cereal grain foundation. Upon deeper inspection, subtle notes of vanilla, butterscotch, and freshly cut grass and hay emerge. The aroma is very sweet, more so than other Glenfiddich releases I've sampled. Taste: The initial sip is rich with fruits, both those detected on the nose and darker varieties, along with a slight cereal grain presence. On the mid-palate... WOW, OAK! I'm unsure if it was aged in new American oak, but it strongly exhibits new oak bourbon characteristics. You'll find cinnamon spice, vanilla, and caramel, along with some barrel char—not smoke, but the typical barrel char found in some darker, longer-aged bourbons. The finish is lengthy, with oak tannins persisting from the mid-palate, accompanied by some leather notes. Freshly roasted coffee and chicory appear about 20 seconds into the finish and fade quickly. Quite enjoyable. Overall: I appreciate bourbon and scotch for distinct reasons. Typically, I turn to bourbon for sweet, oaky richness when I desire it, while scotch offers complexity and restrained sweetness—even savory smokiness. This is a commendable whisky, but for less than half the price of the $110 US paid for this bottle, one could acquire a top-tier bourbon offering many of the same flavors. If this were a bourbon, its rating would be a few points higher.

*Please note this is a review of the standard Cask of Dreams, not the Canadian version. The standard is not currently listed in the search results, so I must place my notes here.* Glenfiddich: Cask of Dreams, a no-age-statement single malt Scotch whisky from the Speyside region. Price: $106.99. Sampled on 12/23/15 with one teaspoon of water in a Glencairn spirits nosing glass. Aroma - Heavy grape must, green apple, light bubble gum, marzipan, vanilla bean, golden raisin, icing, lime leaf, slight brine, tart wine, plantain banana, and rye. Taste - Grape, vanilla, cashews, gentle fruit and spice, oak, dried apricot, and ginger spice. Finishes with a medium lingering flavor and a long-lasting burn. Final score: 4/5. Definitely tasty and complex with a uniquely captivating aroma, but the flavor may not entirely justify the $100+ price tag. I would purchase another bottle but would feel more comfortable at the $87 price point for the flavors offered.

Beginning my adventure to explore various Scotches. This one is quite enjoyable so far. It doesn't linger on the palate but leaves a pleasant smoky aftertaste.

When she tells you to stop, then go, then stop, then go...