Speyside

Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky from The Cask of Dreams
48.8% ABV/97.6 Proof
$99 to $105
Website

What the Distillery Says:
To celebrate the achievements and pioneering spirit of our founder, William Grant, Glenfiddich launched its Cask of Dreams program in the United States in 2011. Whisky lovers across the States were given a rare opportunity to participate in the “finishing” of this exclusive expression of Glenfiddich. Special oak casks took a tour of significant US landmarks and those in attendance shared their personal aspirations by writing them directly on the precious wood. These celebrated casks have returned to Scotland to finish this unique Cask of Dreams Limited Edition Release.

To create this rare expression, our esteemed Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, marries Glenfiddich whiskies taken from a hand-picked selection of American oak casks, which have matured for at least 14 years. They are then decanted into the dream-inscribed casks and left to finish peacefully in these virgin American oak casks for 3 months to bring an intense and powerful vanilla sweetness with a perfect balance of oak and spice. The casks are then introduced into marrying tuns and mellowed to perfection prior to bottling.

Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams Limited Edition Release will be available in a very limited quantity of 3,500 bottles at select retailers in the United States starting in February, 2012.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Out of the bottle the nose on this one can be a little coy. It is mostly showing vanilla and a malty, grainy note. Water opens up a much fruitier nose with bits of tangerines, tart apples, and a little pineapple.
Palate: Very, very rich. There is a nice cinnamon tinged oak sweetness with more vanilla showing through. This palate is very delicate regarding water. Add sparingly.
Finish: At bottle strength the finish gives you a quick pop but quickly mellows into honey and oak spice. A little water tames that pop and most of the spice leaving it smooth and mellow.
Comments: Glenfiddich isn’t the most complex dram with layers upon layers of variables but that’s probably a big reason why it’s so approachable and popular around the world. This particular dram is no different. It’s infinitely drinkable and enjoyable but the sherry monster and peat freak crowds might find it lacking. Go into it accepting it for what it is – an excellent mariage of Glenfiddich stock. Enjoy!
Rating: Stands Out

I would like to thank Katie Han with Maloney & Fox for providing me with a sample for review.

The Macallan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 Years Old
43% ABV/86 Proof
$40 to $45
Website

What the Distillery Says:
The Macallan Sherry Oak is exclusively matured for a minimum of 12 years in Spanish oak casks, handcrafted and sherry seasoned in Jerez, Spain. This delivers a classic Macallan style, wonderfully rich in colour with dried fruits, spice and chocolate orange.

What Richard Says:
Nose: The nose on this one is a little meaty with a lot of sherry and savory notes. There’s also a little of an odd rubbery smell to it at times.
Palate: This one is rich with a little fruity sweetness. The malty and sherry notes stand up and make themselves known.
Finish: The finish is a little slow. When it comes in it’s a decent mid length finish with mildly woody notes.
Comments: It’s funny because this is always one of those drams that I always remember liking better. No matter how often I have it the memory is always a little better than the actual experience. Don’t get me wrong, this is easily a stand out 12 year old single malt. It’s popular for a reason. It’s enjoyable, drinkable, and I’ll never turn one down when offered.
Rating: Stands Out

Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 18 Years Old
43% ABV/86 Proof
$70 to $75
Available worldwide
Website

What the Distillery Says:
At eighteen years, our single malt is exceptionally smooth and mellow wit notes of oak, apple and cinnamon. Matured in the finest Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks and then married in small batches for remarkable depth and complexity. Judged to be the best 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky in the world.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Rich cream, tobacco, cinnamon crumb cake.
Palate: Very spicy and malty.
Finish: Clean with a slow fade leaving woody, nutty notes.
Comments: This is definitely the Solera’s big brother. Part of it is the 43% bottling strength which I’d like to also see in the 12 and 15 year olds. But mostly the extra years have bee kind to Glenfiddich. It’s smooth, easy to drink, and has some pleasant notable characteristics. Would I call it the “best 18 Year Old Scotch Whisky in the world” you may ask? No, but it’s a good value and you really can’t go wrong with it.
Rating: Stands out