Cigar Weekly

jazznut · 05-17-2003, 11:19 AM

I realize there are many who denigrate this distillery's products. I certainly could never come to terms with the lacklustre and abrasive no-stated-age "Special Reserve". However, this Scotch HAS been incredibly successful, and the newer bottlings are surely an improvement.
The new "Special Reserve" clearly states its 12 years of age, is crisply oaked, spicy, faintly smoky and quite arousing. A little bit of sweet malt comes through toward the finish. Though I once held the 12 year old Glenlivet in far greater regard, I would have to say that I now prefer the more lively Glenfiddich.
The "Solera Reserve" 15 year old smacks of apple, honey and spice, its plush creaminess leading to a dryish close.
As for the 18 year old "Ancient Reserve", its honeyed sweet fruit and floral aspects provide a softer, more sensuous interpretation of the house style.
There is little difference in overall quality between the three ages, their styles being the determining factor. And the Grants continue to offer their single malts at very competitive prices.

05-17-2003, 11:19 AM	#1
jazznut Managing Editor Emeritus Herf God Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 26,082	Glenfiddich I realize there are many who denigrate this distillery's products. I certainly could never come to terms with the lacklustre and abrasive no-stated-age "Special Reserve". However, this Scotch HAS been incredibly successful, and the newer bottlings are surely an improvement. The new "Special Reserve" clearly states its 12 years of age, is crisply oaked, spicy, faintly smoky and quite arousing. A little bit of sweet malt comes through toward the finish. Though I once held the 12 year old Glenlivet in far greater regard, I would have to say that I now prefer the more lively Glenfiddich. The "Solera Reserve" 15 year old smacks of apple, honey and spice, its plush creaminess leading to a dryish close. As for the 18 year old "Ancient Reserve", its honeyed sweet fruit and floral aspects provide a softer, more sensuous interpretation of the house style. There is little difference in overall quality between the three ages, their styles being the determining factor. And the Grants continue to offer their single malts at very competitive prices. __________________ My whisky adventure began at the age of nine. Good things DO take time!