Help Identifying a Single Malt

[scotch_noob]

Folks, I am a scotch noob, and could use some help identifying a single malt.
I was at this restaurant recently, where I asked for Macallan 12, and the was told they were out of the Macallan 12, and offered Glenfiddich (didn't mention the year).

When I nosed it, I got a very distinct leather and a good hint of tobacco (and something I would describe as cigar smoke). I don't remember much else of it, as the leather and the tobacco just blew me away.

Since then, I have had Glenfiddich 12 as well as 18, but didn't find the leather/tobacco I was looking for. So I think what I had at the restaurant wasn't Glenfiddich.

My questions:

Which of the single-malts would come close to my limited description above?
Or could it be that it was indeed Glenfiddich, and what I had to eat with it created this distinct memory?

Appreciate any responses!

[opelfruit]

15 Year Old Solera Reserve?

Thats the only other one I can think they would have in the restaurant around a similar price point to the Macallan.

It's got a bit of smokiness about it and its made using the Solera method (used in Brandy) so gives it a bit more character.

Not personally a Glenfiddich man.

[scotch_noob]

Thanks for your response.

Both the 12 and the 18 had a fruity-ness about them, which I don't recall tasting in the one I am looking for.

Will try the 15 yr solera reserve, but am beginning to think that it wasn't any of the Glenfiddich's at all.

[opelfruit]

The problem is that there are quite a many malts with a leather and smoke profile, and certainly what you had eaten will impact your ability to accurately identify some notes.

Has the restaurant got a website with an online drinks list? If they have then take a look on there and post the list of whiskies they stock

[bredman]

Yes, too many possibilities tbh. I'd say the restaurant would have given you what they said it was, most likely a 12yo 'fiddich. The confines of a public place like a restaurant can have a profound effect on even the most experienced of palates.

[scotch_noob]

Yeah, that's probably it.

Too bad though, I thought I had found a scotch for life.
Glenfiddch12, not so much...

Oh well, will go back to my good old friend Mr. Macallan.