Over the years, my lovely wife’s attitude toward my whisky-drinking hobby has evolved directly alongside my passion for the water of life. From eye-rolls when I’d come home with a new bottle to mild amusement toward my nerdy comments about the dram I was enjoying… I’m glad that she’s managed to put up with me all these years!
This summer, Tena and I celebrated our 19th anniversary. (Don’t ask me where the time went!) It’s pretty crazy to look back at how much things have changed over the years and the family that we’re raising… but this is a whisky blog, right! So let’s focus on her contribution to my spirited ramblings.
On our anniversary, Tena surprised me with a bottle of the Glenfiddich 18 year old. I would have been surprised by any bottle but I was particularly impressed that she chose a rather well-aged single malt. Either she’s been paying more attention than I give her credit for or my buddy Richard was in cahoots on this one! This whisky is bottled at 40% abv and, as a gift, I have no interest in what it cost!
To the Eye
Manuka honey in a glass, with almost brownish flashes. A swirl of my Glencairn produces a crest that gathers dramatically before releasing thick tears and long, droopy legs. It’s a deep, dark and luxurious-looking drop!
In the Nose
Gently spicy right off the bat, with some bourbony vanilla and a subtle ginger zest that pairs intriguingly with a perfume-like floral note. A second sniff reveals classic Speyside apples, though these are more of the red, very-ripe variety. More nosing reveals some cinnamon and a bit of citrus.
On the Tongue
Bourbon? Sherry? Bourbon… sherry… It’s interesting how the influence of both cask types are dancing together in this whisky. Those dried fruits and toffee flavours I associate with bourbon are there, as is the dry, raisiny goodness of a sherry finish. In amongst it all, there are some of the classic Glenfiddich flavours of orchard fruits and cut green grass.
The finish is somewhat gentle but it lingers, with oak, cinnamon, and menthol.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes I have a hard time deciding what to think about rather well-aged, (presumably) more-expensive whiskies. Let me explain…
Would I like a whisky of this caliber at a higher proof? Of course! Did I expect some kind of stand-out, more-memorable characteristic? Probably… I think I tend to hold these kinds of whiskies to a higher standard, which might not be entirely fair.
The Glenfiddich 18 is a delicious drop! It is rich, well-composed and has a surprisingly long finish. If I had a larger whisky budget, this would probably be a favourite… the kind of dram I’d choose as an everyday sipper. However, at least at this point, that’s not quite my reality and, when I splurge, I’m still looking for something that blows my mind just a bit more.
Let’s see where I’m at in another 19 years!
A Dram or 2 
Great review and lovey family story behind it too 👏