Glenfiddich 30 Year

I kept my "impressive Whisky Reviews from Scotland" for last, and i have finally taken some time to write about them. I started with the Dalmore 25yo and now i will talk about this beautiful Glenfiddich 30yo. There has been a lot of different Expressions of Glenfiddich 30yo, this one is the 40%abv, old bottle, the one with the triple XXX in the lower label. I also had this one at the great "The Grill" bar in Aberdeen. I really didn't know what to expect since the 18yo Glenfiddich felt "too fancy" to be any good; the 21yo is a different "animal" since it is matured in reserva rum casks; and the Snow Phoenix was superb but still lacked something. Well, lets talk about this 30yo. On the nose it is amazingly complex and great. Very old, thick caramel. Actually peaty! Heathery/smoky. I believe they used some peat 30 or more years ago, and that was something more normal back then; nowadays they use unpeated barley for every expression. Lots of chocolate coming. Coffee; Red fruits that feels like old, Cherries. Lemon, Nice baked apples, Everything feels sweet but old. Smells just like the caramel that comes out of the cask and naturally seals them. Very complex. Oranges. After first sip vanilla just came out. Very refined. AND THAT IS ONLY THE NOSE. On the palate, it is not as complex, still very good, not perfect. Super smooth. Oranges right away. There is oak spice very dim and pleasant. After 10 seconds in the mouth some sider/apple flavor comes along. Vanilla very watered flavor also present. Aftertaste is lovely: smoky, oaky, old books, tobacco, super pleasant. Its like everything has been tuned down for you to enjoy it. Balance is the key here. Wonderful dram. Even for a super fancy flavor, it is fruity and enjoyable. No alcohol or burn whatsoever. Great whisky, expensive, 98/100. Sláinte!

Today is Christmas. This day finds us at my niece and nephews house as they host Christmas Day. They recently renovated their house and welcomed a new addition to the family. To celebrate the culmination of these days and events, he proudly opened and shared the Glenfiddich 30 that he has been waiting to open for a special occasion and most willingly wanting to share with me. So, gladly accepting the moment, we poured together. Bottle: 7370 Cask Selection: 23 This really needs time to breathe. With the wait and the aromas are almost tangible. Black tea, molasses, cherry chocolate cherry cordials, vanilla, heather, honeysuckle floral. Floral and sweet. Quite enticing. A soft arrival brand brings with it very similar flavors that embodies the nose. Sweet tea, milk chocolate, vanilla, toffee, gala apples, almonds, orange zest, ripened plums, fruit cake. The finish is long lasting and with much that remains. Black pepper providing a tickle on the tongue that seems to prickle on and on. Oak wood spice, vanilla, caramel, toffee, leather. Aromatic and flavorful. What this needs, like any aged whisky is time. Twenty to thirty minutes. As it opens, it blossoms to its fullest. The vanilla and toffee sweetness delicately balanced with fruits, chocolate and spice make this a satisfying and enjoyable dram. One of the oldest I have tasted. Glad I had the chance the chance to experience and share. Especially on this particular day with family. Merry Christmas! [94/100][Tasted:12/25/21]

Part of a 2-3 hour tasting at the Glenfiddich Distillery. Prince Edward was on site (along with entourage and many members of the press) and management still made sure we were set up and well taken care of, stopping by to talk drams every 15 minutes. Outstanding service. It goes without saying but this 30-year was top of the heap. Perfectly well rounded, light and rich with subtleties in every sip. Cherries, apple spice and oranges, followed by vanilla, caramel, and chocolate notes throughout. A hint of coffee beans? Tobacco leaves. Toffee. Oak. Superbly complex and incredibly smooth. An absolute champ.🏆 (LM)

Nice flavor profile but thin on palate Nose: Honey, Toffee, Green Apples, Pears, Red Apples, Cloves, Raisins Palate: Milk Chocolate, Plums, Raisins, Figs, Dates, Toasted Almonds, Walnuts, Banana Bread, Coffee Finish: Honey, Coconuts, Raisins, Cherries, Dark Chocolate, Mocha, Espresso

Wasn't as much of a fan of this one as their other aged stuff. The oak and spice overpowers the other flavours for me and I could have done with a bit less peat.

I don’t know if it’s worth the price but it sure is a great whisky. Well balanced, you can taste the dollars you spent.