Glenfiddich 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Note: Product has come from a private collection and as such may have some minor scuffing/scratches/handling marks. This one, in particular, the inner lining is starting to deteriorate and is sticky. Actual product pictured.

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. 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