Product Taste Test: Glenfiddich Single-Malt Special Reserve 12-year Old Whisky
A whisky-tasting opportunity is not one to be missed –particularly when the whisky in question is probably the most popular single malt in the world - the Special Reserve 12 year old whisky from the Glenfiddich range.
Now the thought of a group of novices tasting such a fine drink can be quite daunting particularly when Glenfiddich aficionados are known to roll their eyes in sheer delight as they wax lyrical. How could our quartet of relative newcomers to the actual whisky tasting process make a credible assessment? We decided that our ‘taste’ test would be about more than just taste – it would also include our other senses – the aroma; the color; the way the whisky swirled in our glasses; the initial feel of the whisky on the tongue and the continued after-taste.
Process: While most whisky tasters might prefer to use tulip-shaped glasses when tasting different whiskies, our Group of Four opted to stick with the short whiskey tumblers normally used for whisky shots as we were only testing one product. As some of us were tasting Glenfiddich’s single malt for the first time we decided we would try it two ways: 1-oz each straight up and then 1-oz each with a little water
Straight up: We first sampled 1-oz of the single malt straight up – a new experience for some of us who had never tried whisky without ice or in a mix. We found the honey-amber color extremely rich and pleasing to the eye. The initial aroma hinted at a nice fruitiness at first not quite discernible then becoming slightly woodsy, finally settling into a rich peaty-smokiness. Swirling the liquid in the tumbler helped us to discover its ‘legs’ – the way it slowly coated the glass and dripped down even more gently. We learned that the slower the drips of ‘legs’ – the older the whisky. Our taste product certainly lived up to its age!
Having fully inhaled the first aroma we each took a good mouthful, feeling it roll over the tongue as it released its slow, smooth burn. The longer we held it the warmer and smoother it tasted. The first swallow was smooth and gentle on the throat with no after-burn. Rather the taste continued to linger – nice, smooth and wonderfully smoky. The second, third and fourth swallows tasted even better – rich and soft, gliding like smooth honey. As we rested we continued to feel the slow warmth it released and the nicely rounded pleasing taste that continued to linger.
1-oz with ice water: Our second taste test was done with 1-oz of the single malt with the addition of just a smidgen of ice water. The addition of water seemed to actually enhance the aroma, almost warming it and slowly releasing the woodsy-smokiness. Although the ‘legs’ moved a little faster this time on the sides of the tumbler the color, fragrance and clarity were in no way compromised. Nor was the taste! This is a great way for first time single-malt tasters to enjoy this slightly milder version in their introduction to Glenfiddich’s single malt.
Our conclusion: As expected each of us experienced a variety of different aromas – from fruity to a crisp herbal to the nice smokiness of a peat fire. We also experienced degrees of taste based on the initial fragrance. Those of us who were more familiar with other whiskies pronounced Glenfiddich’s 12 year old single malt a sure-fire winner for its color, aroma and taste. The novice in our group also commented on the extremely favorable fruity-smoky aroma, the smooth mellow taste and the pleasing, lingering aftertaste long after the liquid had been imbibed. We all agreed that for the ultimate enjoyment this whisky must be slowly sipped to savor the full flavor. While drinking it straight up makes for a great full-bodied taste, adding ice water or a couple of ice cubes is another great version especially while hanging around the BBQ this summer!
FoodVancouver.com wishes you a great summer – enjoy your Glenfiddich but always remember to: “Drink Responsibly”.
Cheers!
By: Sheila LoGuisto
