Glenfiddich Our Small Batch Eighteen

Glenfiddich Our Small Batch Eighteen | Whisky Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Speyside, Scotland.
  • Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
  • Distillation & Maturation Process: A mixture of fully matured casks, specifically a combination of sherry casks, oloroso sherry, and ex-Bourbon casks.
  • Age Statement: 18 years.
  • Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the rich flavor profile suggests a deep, amber color typical of long-aged whiskies in sherry casks.
  • Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a triangular rounded tube, a departure from previous packaging which included wooden boxes. The design reflects Glenfiddich's traditional aesthetic.

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: A harmonious blend of Christmas spices, cinnamon, sherry, and grilled apples, with a strong yet friendly taste.
  • Unique Characteristics: The whisky is noted for its full-bodied, mature character with a significant sherry influence, showcasing flavors of dark fruits, ripe dark apples, and a nuttiness from the sherry casks.
  • Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its profile is indicative of a high-quality, sherry-influenced Speyside whisky, likely appealing to fans of similarly aged and casked single malts.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Anecdotes: The reviewer, Horst Luening, shares his personal preference for this whisky when in a bar setting, highlighting its value and maturity.
  • Trivia: The Glenfiddich 18 has a long history, with changes in name and packaging over the years, but maintaining its age statement.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Glenfiddich, located in Speyside, Scotland, is recognized as the world's best-selling single malt. The distillery's approach to creating small batches (150 casks per batch) despite its large scale, underscores its commitment to quality and consistency.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • Opinions: Luening expresses high satisfaction with the Glenfiddich 18, praising its mature, full-bodied character and sherry influence.
  • Quotes: "Very well done in a small batch... full mature Speyside whisky with a sherry influence as it should be."

Summary

  • Glenfiddich 18 is a well-regarded single malt Scotch whisky from Speyside, aged 18 years in a mix of sherry, oloroso sherry, and ex-Bourbon casks.
  • It offers a rich flavor profile with notes of Christmas spices, cinnamon, sherry, and grilled apples.
  • The whisky has a long history and is part of Glenfiddich's tradition of excellence, reflected in its packaging and consistent quality across batches.
  • It is particularly noted for its full-bodied, mature character with a significant sherry influence, making it a standout choice for enthusiasts of sherry-casked whiskies.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • For the Whisky Connoisseur: The complexity and mature character of Glenfiddich 18, along with its traditional Speyside roots and sherry influence, make it a must-try.
  • For the Casual Drinker: Its balanced flavor profile and the reviewer's personal endorsement suggest it's an accessible choice for those looking to explore higher-aged whiskies without being overwhelmed.
  • For the Value Seeker: Given its age, quality, and the distillery's reputation, Glenfiddich 18 offers good value for those willing to invest in a premium whisky experience.