Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve

This was a slightly belated (but much welcomed) birthday gift from my Sister-in-Law. I get the feeling there was supposed to be some conniving going on behind my back between my wife and her sister as to what bottle she was going to purchase, but in the end I was just asked to choose one, and the only bottle from one of the local bottle-shops that I didn't have that still interested me was this one.

I have owned a bottle of this before, it was my second ever whisky purchase after the Glenfiddich 12 year old. I was a little unsold on whiskies after the 12 year old, but the 15 year old really sucked me in, and I haven't been able to look back since. So I have a lot of good memories of this dram.

The nose is fresh, light and enticing. Honey and citrous (especially oranges) hit me straight away from over a foot away as I hold the glass in my lap. Licorice, oak and floral notes become clear as the glass gets closer to my nose. As the glass reaches my nose and I breathe deeply I get a light cinnamon note as well. Really intriguing and mouth-watering.

The taste is light and refreshing, starting with honey and warm cinnamon with background oak notes. As the warmth rises, notes of butterscotch and vanilla come through. The citrous comes through again, this time a little more lemons than oranges. A few more sips, and I get just the barest note of white chocolate, with some old leather in the background as well.

The finish starts where the taste ends, lemon citrous, with vanilla, butterscotch and cinnamon. Fades gently leaving a gentle spicy tingle and a light honey sweetness.

I was afraid this would not live up to the memories, but it has wiped away a long (very long) week at work and put a smile on my face. Definitely worth looking up. And worth bringing out to quiet those who think Glenfiddich can't make a decent single malt.

Thanks for the gift Jess, much appreciated.

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