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The concept of how this whisky is produced is very interesting. It is first aged in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and new American oak casks and then transferred into a Solera Vat which is a large oak vessel that is usually used to make wine. The Solera Vat is always kept half full (since 1998) and each year new whisky is added to mix with the ever-aging 50%.
This will mean that there will be some much older whisky mixed in and that the flavour profile will be different each year.
I like whisky with a unique element and this process certainly is that! I’m also a big fan of Glenfiddich and the 12-year standard was the first single malt I ever tried. I also reviewed the Glenfiddich 18 year along with this and liked that too, though those two do not use the Solera Vat.
So what about this one? Have a read of my review of the Glenfiddich 15 Unique Solera Reserve:
About the Distillery
The Glenfiddich distillery was established by William Grant in the year 1886 in Dufftown, Scotland. Located in the glen of the River Fiddich, the name “Glenfiddich” translates as “valley of the deer” and explains why the company logo is a stag.
Glenfiddich single malt is made using water from the Ribbie Dhu spring and is recognised as being the World’s best-selling single malt whiskey, as well as being the most awarded at the International Spirits Challenge.
During the 1920s, when the prohibition era was at its peak in the United States, the Glenfiddich distillery was one of the very few that managed to actually increase production. Some years later, in the 1950s, the distilleries infrastructure was expanded to include coppersmiths to look after the copper stills and a cooperage that is today one of the few remaining in the Scottish distillery community. The iconic triangular bottle design was introduced in 1956.
Whisky Details
On the box:
“Our Solera Vat is a single malt innovation that marries whiskies matured in sherry, bourbon and new oak casks. Always kept at least half full, it creates a harmonious whisky that gets richer and more complex every year.”
Distiller: The Glenfiddich Distillery
Region: Speyside
ABV: 40%
Proof: 80
Age: 15 years
Website: https://www.glenfiddich.com/uk/collection/core-range/15-year-old/
Tasting Notes
Nose:
Sherry and oak from the off, with none of the apple and pear notes you get with the 12. Some enticing rum and raisin, maraschino cherry, bananas, amaretto and almonds.
Taste:
Charred oak with a peppery, spicy, fresh ginger like quality. There is some more cherry but of the dark variety, with a flavour reminiscent of a full-bodied red wine and some pecan nuts at the end.
Finish:
Dry sherry, malt and brown sugar with a hint of coffee beans.
Summary
In some ways, I prefer the profile of the 12 with its fruity, apple flavours, but on the other hand, this has a uniqueness, charm and character that pushed it ahead of it for me. That might sound strange but whisky is about more than just the taste I think and this has elements to it that you don’t find anywhere else.
It is a very good whisky as well, it’s the kind of drink that I wouldn’t have enjoyed that much a few years ago but as my palate has matured and developed I have come to appreciate some of the “woodier” whiskies. It has an ice spice to it and just enough hint of fruit with the cherry.
It’s one I’d recommend trying a sample of before you go out and buy a bottle as it won’t be for some but a great choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded scotch that’s a little different from the norm,
Read more Scotch whisky reviews here.