This travel-exclusive bottling of Glenfiddich is matured for an unspecified period in a selection of Spanish sherry casks.
In the glass it displays pleasing amber hues. The aroma is very soft. Some hints of grapes/red wine, a touch of cocoa, then more dark fruit, perhaps cherry. THen some late cinnamon spice. It is pleasant, suggestive of depth and complexity, but is just a tad too restrained to really deliver. I found a brandy snifter helps concentrate the aroma better than my standard Glencairn glass.
Quite soft on the tongue, light-bodied, with oaky dryness and sweet fruits arriving about the same time. Most of the flavour lands on the back of the tongue, unlike oilier whiskies which you can taste with the tip of the tongue. This contributes to the impression of a more gentle arrival. The malty Glenfiddich character is somewhat sharpened by the flavours from the sherry casks but again, the richness is tempered by the softness and mellowness of the spirit.
The tartness of the oak builds into the finish, which is of decent length if not strength. The lingering impression is of oak and fruity sourness. Overall I find this to be a very approachable Speyside malt which goes down just a little too easy. I was expecting something just a tad richer and fuller on the palate. Definitely not a "sherry bomb", but there are still some nice moments of fruit and spice to enjoy.
@Megawatt, thanks for a very nicely written review. What made you expect more fullness than you received, given bottling at 40% ABV?
This one sounds like it would have some serious potential at 46%. The one I would really like to see at a decent ABV is the 15 year old Solera Reserve. As it stands, the only G'fid that appeals to me is the 51% 15 year old Distillery Edition which is very decent. Nice review @Megawatt, thanks.