Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection VAT 04

My last take on Glenfiddich's new travel retail "The Perpetual Collection" was the 18-year-old, the priciest (though not excessively so). Finished in former bourbon and sherry casks, it also sees the renowned solera vat. I like that it's bottled at 47.8% ABV, allowing for enhanced flavor and scent. Smelling it, there are lovely, elegant notes of apple and honey. I also get dark cake and cinnamon. It's definitely sweet with honey. Smells like Christmas cake. Quite subtle. After the first taste, the scent fades a bit. It's mainly apple cake and honey. Raisin notes become more prominent. On the tongue, it's not very intricate. Quite easy to drink: Honey, earthy, tobacco leaf, a bit of saltiness. The second taste is very thin, not much substance. The finish is also quite plain. Earthy, scorched hay, tobacco. Touches of ginger and salt. Nothing remarkable. In summary, this one was a failure. I truly thought this would be the top of the line from the group, but it didn't turn out that way. I also believe the regular 18-year-old isn't the best "fiddich" available. A dull, basic, and disappointing expression. I give it 75 out of 100.

This whisky offers a scent of caramel and a hint of jasmine. It presents as quite fresh, full-bodied, and tart. The palate brings notes of apples, pear, dried apricot, and a touch of nuttiness. The alcohol is very manageable, not overwhelming the drink. It's an acceptable bottle, leaning more towards good than poor, but not outstanding.

Nose: Ripe grapes, baked apples Palate: A pleasant, aged book sensation Finish: A touch of spice and salt If you blind-tested this, you wouldn't guess it's 47.8% ABV. A smooth, exceptionally balanced whisky. This is Glenfiddich, indeed. Much better than the 15 year old. Perhaps the deep discount at duty-free made it even more satisfying.

Intense, but in a good way. The flavor has vanilla and fruity whipped cream on top of everything. If a whiskey could be considered a dessert, this would be it.

The aroma offers fruit and cake, with peaches and sherry flavors on the tongue. Enjoyable.