Glenfiddich Special Old Reserve

The producer doesn't list what I have, but the label is the closest match. Mine indicates Special Reserve, not Old. A cherished sibling gifted this to me many Christmases ago. I estimate it's from around 2003-2005, possibly even the late 90s. Back then, I wasn't a regular Scotch or even whisky drinker, apart from an annual Christmas punch my mother made with Jack Daniels. I made a point of having a small measure of this Scotch almost every year, often mid-year for reasons unknown, which is why the bottle is still here with a few fingers remaining. It was a 12 year old then and is now over 25 years old, likely much more. I still find the taste enjoyable, but having recently explored the world of fine whisky, I can't say anything remarkable about it besides its minimal to non-existent peat and its very smooth delivery. It remains a pleasant dram with a sweet aftertaste. The label on this bottle features silver thistles and 'Product of Scotland' descending onto the top of the lower gold band, overlaying it, rather than being solely in the black section. If anyone has information on when this label design was altered, either to or from this version, I would appreciate a comment. Thank you.

This whiskey is what I expect from a new dram: something different. It actually smells and tastes like Champagne. If it weren't for the slight peatiness, I would say: "This is Champagne". First, I think this one is hard to find. I found it on a friend's tray as an ornament in her bar. I was shocked to find something like this and let her know I wanted to taste it. She gave me her full 5cl mini bottle, and I surely enjoyed it. On the nose... well, it is champagne. The first note you get is champagne, grapes, and a fading peatiness which is present in a nice way. Bottled at 43% ABV, it has a pale straw color. If you let it sit for a while (I did), you will then detect maltiness, oak, brown grass, almonds, and tobacco. The aroma is complex and beautiful. On the palate, it is very, very spicy in a pleasant way, mouth-watering. It also feels a lot like champagne, so you can tell it is fruity, with grapes everywhere, earthy (like some wines), with hints of peat and medicinal plants like eucalyptus, maybe. It is medium-bodied, and the finish is also medium with lots of spices, oakiness, and a little hot. Overall, it is a beautiful dram. I took the empty 5cl bottle home to show my friends this mini trophy. It is worth it. Great dram.

I unearthed this old spirit from my late grandfather's collection. It's supposedly from the 80s. It's quite unremarkable, much like the younger Glenfiddich expressions I've tried. Malt, butter, alcohol. Still, it's pretty neat to taste a piece of history.

Nosing: vanilla and honey, with hints of citrus fruits and apple. Palate: strong pepper spice and vanilla sweetness, with a tiny bit of citric fruit. Finishing: light spice and a weak scent of vanilla. Rather short.

Light body, with a waxy, honeyed flavor similar to standard Balvenie, a short finish, a light grainy taste, and nothing remarkable. The bottle and label are great, though!

The nose is sweet, with light vanilla and some malt. Pepper is present on the palate, along with a light flavor that might be honey or citrus. The pepper lingers on the tongue for a while without being harsh.