When we visited Scotland a few years ago, I learned that Glenfiddich was one of the most popular brands of Scotch in the entire world. At the time, and it may still be the case now, they were the best selling single malt Scotch. That fact seemed to be reinforced by how frequently we saw Glenfiddich branded tanker trucks rolling through the hills of Speyside.
Located outside Dufftown in Speyside, Glenfiddich is Scotland’s largest distilleries with its own cooperage, coppersmith, and bottling facility (yes, they are one of the few that distill, mature, and bottle all in one facility). There is also, of course, warehouses for maturation and they currently have 26 stills – 10 wash, 16 spirit.
As for the name, they are located in the valley of the River Fiddich, hence Glen Fiddich. But enough with the history lesson, let’s get to Glenfiddich 18 Year Old – a scotch I’ve enjoyed before but most recently last night.
Glenfiddich 18 Year Old
Here’s what Glenfiddich says about their 18 year old:
Remarkably rich aroma with ripe orchard fruit, spiced apple and a robust oakiness.
Richly delivers luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates overlaid with elegant oak notes.
Warming. Rewarding. Distinguished.
As you’d expect from a Speyside, the flavors are fruity but you get a hint of spice along the way. On the nose it’s easy to get a strong sense of a wide variety of fruit, from apples to a hint of raisin, some citrus. On the palate, you get all that, plus oakiness to remind you of its age, with a sweetness of vanilla. Finish is long, smooth and warm, with a small nudge of spiciness.
It’s no surprise this has one several medals and is one of the most popular Scotches in the world.
(Photo: hep)