Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve

Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve, 14 YO, 43 %

In October 2015 Glenfiddich released a new US exclusive whisky, the Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve. This is a 14 YO bourbon matured whisky that has been finished for three months in new American oak barrels. Here's a short quote from the press release:

Our Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, patiently waits for 14 years as the whisky matures in ex-bourbon American Oak casks, and then finishes the whisky in deep charred new American Oak barrels supplied by The Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky.

The retail price for the Glenfiddich Bourbon Barrel Reserve appears to be around USD 50.

Nose (21/25): Definitely a lot of vanilla and soft caramel notes straight off here. Ripe, red apples and banana. A touch of maltiness, and a base of oak and oak spices.

Taste (21/25): Light and smooth mouthfeel. Honey, vanilla, baked apples, caramel and a touch of chocolate.

Finish (21/25): Medium long finish. It turns a bit darker and richer towards the end. Vanilla and toffee. A bit creamy now, with hints of crushed and unsalted peanuts.

Balance (21/25): Light and easy drinking. Quite sweet, but I guess the crowd on the other side of 'the pond' like their whisky sweet, and this is an exclusive for the US market after all.

Score (84/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas