June 2008 Live Tasting Final Poll

[Dram fine idea]

I have Glenfiddich 15 yo Solera Reserve (70 cl bottle - but not 70 cl left) and 18 yo (1 litre bottle yet to be opened). I may also pick up a miniature of 12 yo for comparison.

[Ganga]

Our intrepid leader Matt has informed me that he is in the process of contacting Glenfiddich about a guest. I have my fingers crossed as I find the guests most insightful.

Thanks Matt!

[Ryguy]

I ordered (2)50ml samples of the Glenfiddich Special Reserve. However the age statement was not listed, so I have no idea what I'm getting. And I still have access to a bottle of the 12yo Special Reserve, so I'll grab a sample there if needed.

But, I'd like to buy 1 bottle for the tasting, and I'm looking for suggestions? I'm not that familiar with Glenfiddich, and I've only had the 12yo Special Reserve, in which I liked. Let me know if anyone can recommend anything.

Available here:
Glenfiddich 12yo (new label) $65.99
Glenfiddich 18yo $69.99
Glenfiddich 30yo $259.99

Glenfiddich 15yo Solera Reserve $44.99
Glenfiddich 21yo Gran Reserva $119.99

Thanks!

[Ganga]

Ryan,

The Special Reserve used to be an NAS bottling. Several years ago it became a 12 yo. I don't know if Glenfiddich didn't change the label on the minis to reflect this change, you have an older mini, or if they continued to make an NAS but just for miniatures. Puzzling. I guess I should look at the minis around LA.

Glenfiddich is really running that high? Wow! I'd suggest that the 15, 18 and 30 yos are not that far out of line compared to my market. I'd suggest the 18 and work out a trade with someone that has the new 12 and 15 plus the Duty Free 15 CS.

[TheTross]

The 18 is quite good, I find there's a lot more going on than in any of the 12s. I'm just not a big fan of the overall Glenfiddich character; nevertheless, if I can attend this tasting I'll aim to pick up a few miniatures.

[Dram fine idea]

Hi Ryan

I would recommend the 18 yo (first choice) or 15 yo Solera Reserve (second choice). I was really impressed when I first tried the 18 yo as it was much better than the standard 12 yo - an eye opener.

If anyone is interested in trading samples, I can provide some of the 18 yo in exchange for something other than the 12 yo or 15 yo Solera which I already have (or 18yo obviously).

Cheers
Steve

[Ryguy]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. Looks like I'm ordering a bottle of the 18yo, why not

Cheers,
Ryan

[Dram fine idea]

Hi Nick

I live in Livingston, West Lothian

DFI

[Ganga]

I've now added a sample of the 12 yo Special Reserve to go along with the 12 yo (new bottling), 15 yo (new bottling), 18 yo (new bottling) and 15 CS. What about the rest of you?

[Ryguy]

I have samples of the following so far:
Glenfiddich 12 Special Reserve
Glenfiddich 12 New label
Glenfiddich 15 New label
Glenfiddich 15 CS
Glenfiddich 18 Ancient Reserve
Also waiting for 2 minis I ordered of Glenfiddich Special Reserve NAS. So I'm not sure what to expect here, time will tell.

Other than that there is not much more I can get here, other than spending a lot of money for a bottle of the 21 or 30yo. I'll probably stick with what I have.

[lohssanami]

For anyone near a Bevmo on the west coast, the 18 Ancient Reserve is $46.99. FYI.

[Ryguy]

Nice!! According to Matt, we have a guest from Glenfiddich for the tasting.
Ian Millar - Glenfiddich - Global Brand Ambassador & Master Distiller

Well done Matt!
Great job Ganga for organizing the tastings!

[woodhill]

Mine too.
Thanks a bunch Matt.
really looking forward although I probably won't get on 'til the wee hours of Sunday morning.

May open my toasted oak for the occasion.

So I now have (again Cheers Matt) :-

12.
New deerstalker 12? (is that real?)
15
18
21 (is this the gran reserva)
30
Toasted Oak
1991 Don RamsAy vintage.


edited to annoy Nick

[Ganga]

At least in the newer expressions the 21 is rum finished (Caorran or Cuban) and carries the name Gran Reserva. Hope this helps Woodhill.