Glenfiddich

Founded: 1886
Status: Operational
Region: Speyside, Scotland – Dufftown, Keith, Banffshire AB55 4DH +44(0)1340 820373
Online: https://www.glenfiddich.com/uk/

History The Glenfiddich Distillery was founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Scotland, in the glen of the River Fiddich. The Glenfiddich single malt whisky first ran from the stills on Christmas Day, 1887. In the 1920s, with prohibition in force in the USA, Glenfiddich was one of a very small number of distilleries to increase production. This put them in a strong position to meet the sudden rise in demand for fine aged whiskies that came with the repeal of prohibition. In the 1950s, the Grant family built up an onsite infrastructure that included coppersmiths to maintain the copper stills, and a dedicated cooperage that is now one of the very few remaining in distilleries. In 1956 the Grant’s brand launched the now-iconic triangular bottle, designed by Hans Schleger. Following difficult times in the 1960s and ’70s, many small, independent distillers were bought up or went out of business. In order to survive, W. Grant & Sons expanded their production of the drink, and introduced advertising campaigns and a visitors’ centre. In this period they also took the decision to begin marketing single malt as a premium brand in its own right, effectively creating the modern single malt whisky category. Later, W. Grant & Sons was one of the first distilleries to package its bottles in tubes and gift tins, as well as recognising the importance of the duty-free market for spirits. This marketing strategy was successful, and Glenfiddich has now become the world’s best-selling single malt. It is sold in 180 countries, and accounts for about 35% of single malt sales. Glenfiddich is currently managed by the fifth generation of William Grant’s descendants. In September 2014, William Grant & Sons agreed to acquire Drambuie for an undisclosed price rumoured to be in the region of £100 million.

The Whiskyphiles tasting notes

Official Bottling

Glenfiddich 12 Years Old (2014) - For a standard expression and at this price point I would be more than happy to buy the Glenfiddich 12 year Old - simply what is their not to like about this single malt? However it has a few older brothers - two of which are simply spectacular; the 14 year old Rich oak and 15 year old Solera. If you find either of these on offer it is not a hard decision to pick the older expressions, if not get the 12 it is damn good anyway! 82/100
Glenfiddich 12 Years Old (2018) - Glenfiddich 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review: A classic expression from Glenfiddich with a huge hit of fruity and fresh pears on the nose that travels throughout this whisky. Expertly constructed using American and Sherry oak casks. I love the slightly drying nature in the finish making me want to revisit the freshness on the nose again. 83/100
Glenfiddich 125th Anniversary Edition (2015) - Beautiful, the Glenfiddich fruity pear character fits like a hand in a glove with this rich christmasy spiced sherry and peat smoke. Some exceptional casks of whisky have been expertly blended in this malt and it is well worthy of its standing as their 125th Anniversary Edition. 90/100
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Unique Solera Reserve (2018) - Glenfiddich 15 Years Old Unique Solera Reserve whisky review: The Glenfiddich 15 Year Old solera reserve is still one of my firm favourite whiskies and it is easy to see why this has been so well awarded. Simply well-crafted deliciousness. 86/100
Glenfiddich 15 Years Old Solera (2014) - Glenfiddich 15 Years Old Solera (William Grant & Sons) 40% ABV, £30-35 for 70cl Score: 86/100 What they say: Our 15 Year Old expression is a truly special single malt that exemplifies […]
Glenfiddich 18 Years Old (2014) - Glenfiddich 18 Years Old (William Grant & Sons) 40% ABV, £50-55 for 70cl Score: 83/100 What they say: We use fine Spanish Oloroso wood and American oak to mature this rich, intriguingly […]
Glenfiddich 18 Years Old (2021) - Classic Glenfiddich full of orchard fruits, rich and slightly more reserved/mature thanks to the extra ageing. Balanced to perfection.
Glenfiddich 19 Years Old Age Of Discovery Bourbon Cask (2015) - A reasonably enjoyable and simple Bourbon-cask matured Glenfiddich, worthy of inclusion into their 19 year old Age of Discovery series, sits nicely as a comparator for the Madeira Cask and Red Wine Cask expressions. A nice example of how ex-bourbon cask maturation can work really well in older expressions, a good balance between cask and spirit characters in here too. 87/100
Glenfiddich 19 Years Old Age Of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish (2019) - Glenfiddich 19 Years Old Age Of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish whisky review: Sweet, fruity, woody and spicy in equal measures. The Madeira cask influence brings more stone fruits to Glenfiddich's pear-led spirit character and some tannic and funky or yeasty wood is a pleasant addition too. 86/100
Glenfiddich 19 Years Old Age Of Discovery Red Wine Cask Finish (2019) - Glenfiddich 19 Years Old Age Of Discovery Red Wine Cask Finish whisky review: This Red Wine finished expression is sweet and creamy then the woody tannins emerge as it progresses, another fantastic expression! 87/100
Glenfiddich 21 Years Old (2021) - Another perfectly balanced and elegant Glenfiddich example, not too sweet but with a lovely toasted banana and brown sugar combination of sweetness that reveals the rum cask influence.
Glenfiddich 23 Years Old Grand Cru (2021) - Soft, creamy and reserved plenty of brioche, white pear & grape and soft brown sugars. In general intensity of flavour and mouthfeel I preferred this at cask strength rather than the reduced final version.
Glenfiddich 23 Years Old Grand Cru Cask Strength (2020) - Glenfiddich 23 Years Old Grand Cru Cask Strength whisky review: Sadly I haven't tried the released Grand Cru expression at 40% to compare this too, in honesty this was a little closed and woody at 56.4% and required a drop of water. The result was an explosion of sweet fruit, cereal malted barley and gentle woody oak balanced to perfection. 90/100
Glenfiddich 26 Years Old Grand Couronne (2021) - Well-aged, full of polished wood, soft and gentle this reminded me of taking a welcome break with a good coffee and accompanying pastry. Perfectly integrated and balanced I could gladly spend plenty of time enjoying this whisky.
Glenfiddich 30 Years Old 1987 Rare Collection (2019) - Glenfiddich 30 Year Old Rare Collection Cask No. 20050 whisky review: A fantastically aged Glenfiddich, the masses of dried fruits and tannic and leathery rancio notes of wood and tobacco had me, possibly along with the colour, convinced this may have seen sherry wood during its maturation? They state officially american oak which doesn't preclude sherry per se but now I'm wondering if this is just a combination of Glenfiddich's spirit and a long maturation in ex-bourbon casks? Regardless this is a supreme whisky well worthy of inclusion in the rare cask collection and a delightful celebration of Glenfiddich's 50 years open to the public! 93/100
Glenfiddich IPA Experimental Series 01 (2016) - Wow, this starts with a great nose but develops into something wonderful on the palate, good body structure but it is just so soft and enveloping - makes you want to savour every sip. 87/100
Glenfiddich XX Experimental Series 02 (2016) - Oh dear - just not right. Too much spice and vanilla, the bourbon and sherry casks are fighting in here and nobody wins. You can taste the quality of the individual whiskies within this but they are not better together. 83/100