Glenfiddich 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
Given Glenfiddich have since released a 50 year old selling at $45,000, this is a relative bargain.
On offer annually, these very rare Glenfiddichs are created via a 'remnant vatting', whereby a portion of the previous 40 year old is blended with newly selected casks. The continuous process results in a whisky at the very least, 40 years old. Glenfiddich are reportedly unique in the industry for using this method. Around 850 bottles are on offer world wide. An earlier batch received gushing reviews including a whopping 96 points from Jim Murray who described it as "Full frontal fruit & spice. Perfectly toned and all the curves in the right places. Rrrrr!!!"
[Release #9 tasted] ...According to the official website, it seems that some 40yos are bottled at 40% sharp, but this version was bottled at the seemingly natural strength of 41.7%. I had adored another 40yo that had been bottled in 2011 (WF 91). Colour: deep gold. Nose: a whole basket of fresh fruits, both tropical ones and western ‘orchardy’ ones, with drops of mint and olive oils as well as a little thuja wood from the oak (don’t ask). Mangos, apples, peaches, guavas… Also some polished wood, I would imagine the dashboard of a brand new Rolls-Royce (sure, Serge, sure…), then more aromatic herbs, vetiver, wormwood, dill, fennel… And lastly, touches of old vin jaune or fino sherry. I found a cognacqy side in earlier expressions, and that’s what I’m finding again in this one. Mouth: first, balance was found. Second, the oak remains un-drying. And third, all the fruits are back, from mangos to apples and apricots. There’s a lightness that’s not light at all, if you see what I mean, and really a lot of elegance. No big mouth feel though, but this baby’s got a talent for repartee, so to speak. Responsive. Finish: surprisingly long, very fruity, just with more polished wood again. Cough lozenges. Comments: I think it’s rather fresher, fruitier and lighter than earlier expressions. 90 points - whiskyfun.com
Trophy - Distillers' Single Malts 21 years old and over - 2019 International Spirits Challenge