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Glenfiddich Experimental Series Project XX

Whisky and Spice and Everything Nice

6 388

@OdysseusUnboundReview by @OdysseusUnbound

25th Aug 2020

1

  • Nose
    22
  • Taste
    22
  • Finish
    22
  • Balance
    22
  • Overall
    88

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

It's fashionable for "advanced" whisky aficionados to criticize big distilleries and turn up their collective noses at all their offerings while lauding smaller craft distillers for being small and having "the courage" to put out 3 year old whisky. I'm not entirely sure "courage" is the reason smaller/younger distilleries are releasing young whisky but hey, I'm not a professional writer or whisky critic. The whisky market is still growing and big players are taking some (measured) risks. Smaller and newer distilleries can't always afford to take the same chances. They don't necessarily have the inventory or sufficient name recognition to gamble on whiskies that may flop.

Glenfiddich is the world's biggest single malt producer. They've got the brand recognition most other distilleries would love to have. They've got tons of inventory, and to their credit, they do their fair share of experimentation.

The conception of Project XX was so "shrouded in secrecy" and according to the Glenfiddich website "the whisky experts taking part didn’t even know about it until half way through the process. Given free reign of our Conval Warehouse, each expert chose a malt which most intrigued them, including whiskies from port pipes, American oak, and bourbon barrels." Now there's no age or specific breakdown of cask types given on Glenfiddich's website. I have to say I've often been disappointed with "secret project" whiskies. When you're as cynical as I am, "secrecy" translates to "they had some sub-par casks they needed to get rid of"...at least in my mind. Like I said, I'm cynical. Be that as it may, I decided to give Project XX a go.

Tasting Notes

Neat from a Glencairn glass:

  • Nose: green apple, pears, nutmeg, cinnamon, some red grapes, vanilla, brown sugar
  • Palate: medium bodied, cinnamon, baked apples, slightly nutty (almonds and hazelnuts), Thompson raisins, a bit of chocolate, oak
  • Finish: medium length, pears, baked apples, cinnamon, vanilla, a touch of orange zest, caramel, black pepper

This is a spicier, more amped-up 'fiddich and I dig it. Project XX is bottled at 47% abv and it makes me wish that more Glenfiddich offerings were available at a higher strength. I've admitted on many occasions that I have a soft spot for Glenfiddich and Project XX passes the taste test.

  • Would I accept a glass if I was offered one? Yes.
  • Would I order this in a bar or pub? Sure.
  • Would I buy another bottle? There's a good chance I will.

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3 comments

@BlueNote
BlueNote commented

@OdysseusUnbound I've often thought it, but I couldn't have put it as well as you did in your first two paragraphs. They didn't get where they are today by only appealing to bottom shelf buyers. I've had the XX and I'm with you: I'd buy it again.

We have another small outdoor gathering coming up and one of the guys is bringing a bottle of 30 year old Glenfiddich that he has been sitting on for a few years. I'm expecting great things.

3 years ago 4Who liked this?

@RianC
RianC commented

@OdysseusUnbound - I'm not the biggest fan of the 'fiddich style but you've piqued my curiosity with this one.

As for the cynisism, when it comes to business (or specifically, selling whisky) I'm inclined to think that making some less than stellar stock look appealing is 'THE' game.

3 years ago 3Who liked this?

@Megawatt
Megawatt commented

Nice review. Really thinking of buying this one.

I appreciate reviews which give more than just "tastes like this and that". Context is important too: what does it compare to? What would I think if tasted blind? Will I buy again?

2 years ago 1Who liked this?

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