For those that like to educate themselves, here is history from their website, followed by the link.
In the summer of 1886 our founder, William Grant, set out to fulfil a lifelong ambition of creating the 'best dram in the valley'.
With the help of his seven sons and two daughters, William built his distillery in a single year. Their hard work was rewarded on Christmas Day 1887 when the first drop of spirit flowed from the small copper pot stills. William named his distillery Glenfiddich, Gaelic for 'Valley of the Deer'.
Over 120 years later, Glenfiddich is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family owned and our whisky has become the world's most awarded single malt*, a true reflection of the passion, integrity and innovative spirit that have been passed down through the generations.
http://www.glenfiddich.co.uk/index.html
Returning to my habit of pouring a small Glenlivit 12 as a control taste, I was not happy to see that in the glass, they both looked identical - a very pale yellow. Given it also is in a green bottle, and my overall low feeling about anything coming from Europe in a green bottle that carries over from my beer blog, and my hopes for a decent drop declined dramatically....
Fortunately, both the aroma and taste of this exceed the bar on the ground that is the GL 12. It isn't fancy, nor lingers long on the palate, nor makes your eyes water, but it has a hint of character, and is easy to drink. It claims many won awards, but IMHO, those are typically given to that which appeals to masses, and thus walks on the safe side. Sometimes, that is all you want in your drink, and this one provides that.
Now with empty glass, I close out, and leave it to my family to post their comments.
Color: Pale yellow
ReplyDeleteLegs: strong
Nose: a little sweetness, not sure what
Taste: a nice little taste of smoke, a little sweetness
Finish: kind of medium to lasting
A single drop lets a little of the smoke into the nose, and a little more into the flavor. A little cream enters the fray as well.
This one is still pretty fiery at the back of the throat. Again, small slow sips are the key. It is not terrible, but will not crack my favorites any time soon. Taking your time with time enough in between to let the palate recover and this is OK. For me, novice that I am, I have to nurse it to enjoy. This has not been true for all my sampling. Taking my dad’s advice, I added more than a drop of water. A little splash certainly made it easier to drink. I might try that with a few of the others as well.
well, I think we need to compare to something different than glenlivet 12.. having said that... I found this to be mild in taste, but with a bit of kick to it.. though not like the Arbelour.
ReplyDeleteBottom line, I don't think I will be buying a bottle of it. I do appreciate the chance to try it though. Very much so.
: 1st sip – subtle nose. Rounded body. Not too much burn but warm. 2nd sip – some Licorice taste and some citrus, still a bit warm. 3rd sip – no change. Splash time – less nose (hovering on the edge of undectability) but still warm on the tongue. Same taste. Two ice cubes (Ned’s glasses are Rick’s small ones which I have lost, found and misplaced again) - there’s the sense of creame on the lips (but this is Ned’s ice), a bit sweet with light notes of cherry, chocolate. Would drink on porch in the summer, not enough body for real cold, damp, blustery weather. A two ice cube scotch with a splash. Tame.
ReplyDelete