Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve Aged 14 Years. 43% ABV

Color: a rich gold.

Nose: tropical fruit, reminiscent of crystallized pineapple and banana, joining with vanilla. Think of either pineapple upside down cake with added banana or bananas foster with a splash of pineapple added in to make it interesting.

Palate: the creaminess I have come to expect of Glenfiddich comes quickly along with the fruit and vanilla toffee, followed by a mild anise spice with a gentle, fresh charred oakiness. The mouth feel is soft and easy and there is little to no alcohol burn.

Finish: Medium length and creamy, with the pineapple and vanilla lingering gently on the tongue. 

This U. S. exclusive release is very clearly intended to appeal to the American whisky drinker’s palate. This whiskey has been matured for 14 years in bourbon barrels and then finished in new charred American oak barrels. If you like vanilla toffee notes in a fruity Speyside whisky, this is a dram to taste. The fairly strong fruitiness came as a bit of a surprise as I really expected a pure bourbon and virgin oak casked vanilla explosion. The spirit is easy even and smooth and one can drink this expression without thinking too much about it. This dram would be a great one to serve to bourbon drinkers wanting to explore the nectar of the Scots. The price seems to range from $52 to $65 (USD). It is definitely on the buy list for under $60.

Slainte mhath!