Glenfiddich The Original

This NAS release by Glenfiddich – still one of the world’s bestselling malts – was released with the explanation that it was inspired on the so-called Straigth Malt from 1963. Let us not forget that the whole single malt story started with that one, over 50 years ago. Brian Kinsman, the Master Blender at Grant & Sons, dived into the archives and came up with the recipe from Hamish Robertson (Grant’s 4th Master Blender) to recreate this Original.

On the nose, this is a lightweight with loads of grain cookies, Granny Smith apples and a hint of pears. A handful of nuts, candied lime and vanilla. Grass. You think Glenfiddich was truly this light some 50 years ago?

The body is fine and the palate is met with some peppery spiciness and a big dose of honey. Vanilla and barley sugars. The lime returns. So do the nuts. Roasted almonds, I’d say.

The finish is short to medium – closer to short – and offers up more grass and lime before becoming slightly drying.

This is a summery Glenfiddich, but apart from the story and the nice packaging – not to mention the price – there is not a lot going on here. You can buy 3 bottles of the 12 Year Old Glenfiddich and that is equally good.

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