whisky review 357 - Glenfiddich 15yo Distillery Edition

[@RadioAmateurK1ROL]

I'll be on the lookout for this one. I've been enjoying Glenfiddich for years. I'm particularly fond of the 15 year old Solera Reserve. Thanks for sharing this!

[@carp1503]

just like to say a big thanks, not long got in to malt whiskies and your way of giving us your review is the best i have found. Big Thank

[@andrewh9629]

Ralfy! After my comment on 298 you said youd keep an eye out for this - glad you did and that you enjoyed it!

[@sbornot2b]

Your enthusiasm shines especially bright in this one Ralfy.

[@farshadp6114]

Wow, 8 years ago, greeting Ralfy, I bought this whisky 2 weeks ago and haven't opened it yet, glad that you had reviewed this so I can get an idea about it.

[@dimovalev]

I too think it deserves a 90+. Amazing one, and I like it even more than the 15 yo Solera... Absolutely sublime. My favourite GF, and I've tried quite a few of them... Again, I am not an expert, I have started with the single malts 2 years ago and Ralfy - you are my absolute reference, I've learned a lot from you! Thank you!

[@ubercrazy]

i like the beer bottles on the top shelf, its a nice touch. thanks for the post.

[@clutchcrazy888]

I'm surprised by the mark of 84 on this, I expected something closer to a 90. I found this version much more complex in its flavour than the 15 yr solera.

[@conradblack2504]

Agreed, can't taste much of the 12 at all in this. This is good stuff - nice oak flavours and sherry notes.

[@BrothuhV84]

I've had the distillery edition before. It was good though a bit rough on the stomach. I did how ever get a dried ice cream chocolate note that I haven't experienced before or since. Lovely stuff! Cheers Ralfy!

[@onemon22]

Thanks for posting Ralfy. Its a good day up here on the internet.

[@Temperdgrump]

You make this malt sound so savory. I want a bottle now! or at least a sample.

[@JBurtonTenor]

I enjoy and appreciate your work SO much. Thank you.

[@shuboy05]

I purchased a bottle of this with the old label and I noticed a black pepper note on the finish. It reminded me of a miniature of Highland Park 18 which also had a black pepper note on the finish. It took a bit of getting used to but I ended up finding it interesting. Wonder what is creating that pepper flavor? Sadly, the Distillery Edition has been discontinued in the US for some time now.

[@tormodiv]

Was in fact thinking excatly the same... :) Thanks for another great review, Ralfy

[@stephangomez5349]

Hi Ralfy I could not agree more on the point that it is like a super boosted GF12. I mean this in a very good way though. Another bottling I enjoyed as an enhanced version of the "normal" 12 was the caoran reserve. I have not seen this around for a while though. I still admire the high quality of craftsmanship of Glenfiddich, even with David Steward in retirement. Still I am not fond of their older bottlings (18-30) I guess, at you said, it is brilliant, even at a young age.

[@AndyCigars]

Ralfy, can you do some more on location videos from the TT, please? Love having you guide us round that one of a kind in the world event.

[@krantznikov47]

Hi ralfy, another great review. A couple of quick q's for your opinion: 1. Recently had Glenrothes Robur and Alba reserve at a friends. Cannot tell them apart and am not traditionally a Speysider so wanted your insight 2. Really liked 18yo Auchentoshen but have seen lots of these new "wood finish" bottlings in airports and wondering of they are worth a try or just a marketing ploy? Thanks.

[@MrLonlie]

Also out of curiosity, do you notice similarities between the different age groups? If you have a video that mentions it you can also just send me that. Thanks for all your shared knowledge over the past years. It's been terrific and oh so helpful!

[@Michael_H.McKillop]

Hey Ralfy, have you done a review of Aberlour 10year old? I ask because I bought 3 bottles from my local Morrisons today,at £20 a go but, have never tried it! Another fantastic review by the way

[@AmericanPsycho08]

Thank you sir. I appreciate your feedback. Keep up the good work!

[@Sheriff_GrimLaw]

I personally found/find it a very enjoyable dram. Full of (not surprisingly) wave upon wave of peat, but mild and not as harsh as you may have thought. I get milk chocolate, mocha and sweet spicy toffee, too. x

[@shuboy05]

I'm pretty sure Cask of Dreams was exclusive to the US and maybe Canada? I have a bottle but it's not open yet. It's pretty much 14 to 16 year old Glenfiddich that's been finished in new oak barrels.

[@ridercanada1]

It's a Glenfiddich marketing idea in line with Snow Phoenix. The difference is this time instead of collapsed barns, they rolled a bunch of barrels across the US and had people write on them.

[@aussiegamer007]

Drinking this one now, one of my favourites.

[@boozer7574]

would like to see bruichladdich Rocks or Caolila distillers editon reviewed

[@ridercanada1]

Canada for sure. Wondering more about value. Is it a really good dram. $100

[@shkotayd9749]

I found I enjoyed this one and the sherry cask malt masters edition VERY much :D Very rich in tastes, and not too bad on aromas. I wish my nose was as educated as yours. I know only if I find an aroma varied and rich, and same with the taste.

[@nickdobson4716]

Ralfy have you tried the new Islay single malt 'smokehead"? would love to hear your opinions on it, keep up the brilliant work

[@aget19]

ardbeg, caol ila, lagavulin and bunnahabain. You could maybe include Talisker in this group too. All Islay malts, although in my opinion with the standard bottlings Laphroaig tends to be the most heavily peated

[@scotchnstogies]

Btw I tried laphroaig quarter cask based on your review. I gotta say it was very good. I didn't pick up on much of your tasting notes but never the less, a great smoky peaty monster of a whisky. Thanks. I've been staying away for a while our of intimidation it'd be too much for me but its great.

[@StarskySTARS]

Hi Ralfy, I tried Laphroaig a while back and it was amazing now I can only drink Laphroaig and nothing else hehe. I was wondering if there is any other whiskys similar to Laphroaig.

[@bricenip]

another great one ralfy!

[@JBL626]

Ralfy, your comments suggested that marks higher than 84 were forthcoming. Did the disappointing finish knock off some points?

[@funwithpeatandsherry]

Indeed, more and more people are aware. And of course a significant part of the credit for that belongs to Ralfy!

[@AmericanPsycho08]

Hi Ralfy, unfortunately I cannot find a bottle of this in the United States. I found it for sale on a UK website. With shipping taxes etc. it's going to cost about $90. I love the Glenfiddich 15 year old Solera, but more and more I find myself drifting towards non-chill filtered cask strength whiskies. Is this bottle worth picking up for $90? Also what are your thoughts on the Glenfiddich 14 Rich Oak? Thanks.

[@ridercanada1]

Hey Ralfy, heard anything about the "Cask of Dreams" expression?

[@alonsoquijano51]

Ralfy, Thanks for taking the time to present these reviews. It's helped me expand my horizon of single malts. I do have a question. I would like to get a friend of mine into enjoying single malts. He says he has tried a couple, but they were too harsh tasting. Which would you suggest as starting point for him, out of the whiskeys commonly available in the U.S.?

[@kappyspad1]

Great review, looking forward to trying this one

[@andrewh9629]

...and the review on my bday too - good stuff.

[@dogmaticusfilosoof]

I like this Glenfiddich more than the regular 15. Great review again Ralfy Btw I have a question , I've recieved 2 bottles from a friend and i have never heard of them actually. Glendullan the 26 and the 23 year old. It's from rare malts. The 26 is from 1978 and the 23 is from 1974. They are both at cask strenght , but the thing is I can't seem to find a lot of info about these bottles . Did you ever tasted them or know more about them ? Thanks

[@markyboyc24]

Will need to look out for this bottle. Malty magic...

[@narbezohrabi5634]

Ralfy, there is a small crack near the top of one of my whisky bottles. I don't think it can leak but I worry that the crack will get worse and air or maybe even glass will go into my whisky. the bottle is half empty as I split it with a friend. What is your suggestion, should I leave it as is or transfer it to something else? Its a special bottle and would love to leave it in its original but am concerned. I thought you might have some experience with this. thanks

[@93hostang]

So I was hoping you could give me some info on a bottle I was gifted. I was given a bottle of Glenfiddich Special Old Reserve 1.125 litre bottled at 43%. It appears to be an older bottle and I was caught off guard by it's screw top and no cork, also no age statement... There is little to no info on the interwebs about this specific bottling and I was hoping you may have come across this before? Thank you for any info you could provide.

[@davejss]

Great review once again my man!

[@kalm1531]

Thank you for reviewing.

[@Euphorica]

Have you tried the "cask of dreams"?

[@dermo666]

Hi Ralfy, how about review of Glenfiddich 18yo? How do you like it?

[@Sheepish787]

Hey Ralfy, fantastic review as always. I picked 1 liter of this up when I recently traveled, I was actually looking for the 18YO but could not find it in a 1 liter bottle at the airport so I settled for this one. it is amazing. If you get the chance, please do a review of the Macallan Edition Number 2. I found that it too opens up with water and time just like this Glenfiddich did. I was given a bottle recently and it is insanely good, well that is what I think anyway. I have been looking around for reviews to see what others think but have not found any decent reviews yet.

[@PeatLova]

Ralfy, how is it that you never review Macallan products? Thx.

[@jonathonphilip9757]

Hey Ralfy Just a question I have tryed this from your recommendation as im am starting on Cask strength Whiskies, it was VERY nice. My question is that would to say the Glenlivet Nàdurra 16 Year Old Is better then this??? Becuase it was the next one i was considering trying, Thanks

[@Deliquescentinsight]

This one looks great-must try!

[@minniesarse]

Ralfy.. regarding your comments about empty glasses. The fear of empty glasses is called Cenosillicaphobia. There is no known cure but, fortunately, one can alleviate the symptoms quite easily!

[@Nevertrustabaldbarber]

Malt-magicians! I'm not sure if you've thought of it before

[@PeatSmokey]

Ralfy I had this guy a while back & I just couldn't wrap my head around the profile. I don't think they used the solera system on this GDE ...wish it was closer to the basic G15 but yea supercharged 12er...yep I agree. tho I wouldn't buy it again.

[@november5th]

Not exactly sure what Ralfy would say, but I'd probably run it through a coffee filter and then transfer it in to a smaller bottle. Maybe keep the original bottle to display if you like that bottle a lot?

[@The1OPTIMUS]

Ralfy what is the higher rated single malt you rated?

[@Sheriff_GrimLaw]

This is on offer in a supermarket near me for £36. With my voucher points I've accumulated taken off, I can get a bottle of this for £14 - clearly a bargain. However, your malt mark of 84 made me hesitate. I'm a fan of the 15 Solera, but is this worth going for or should I wait for another deal? x

[@tjamesferg48]

enjoyed with a glass of glenmorangie. thanks ralph!

[@jkaygo]

What is your favorite Fiddich bottling?

[@ArumesYT]

You keep mentioning the juicyness and fruitiness of this whisky. Does that mean that this is a good whisky for warmer days? Temperatures are going up, and that means I don't enjoy the 'heavy' whiskies as much as I do in winter.

[@manueldsalinas2147]

What kind of beer do you drink?

[@calciumkid666]

Pre-ordered, and bought a second bottle of this at Glasgow Airport when heading out on holiday recently. Just wanted to check that my tastebuds weren’t deceiving me first time around. Pre-ordered it for £62 from worlddutyfree website, but a 1l bottle rang through at just £49 when I paid for it at the collection till. Strong ABV (51%), well-balanced vanilla and fruity, sweet and woody notes from the bourbon and sherry casks respectively, aged for 15 years minimum etc. If I’d known it was gonna ring through at £49 for a 1L a bottle, I would’ve ordered 2. I challenge you all to find a whisky with better value for money, at that price point...I’ll wait...

[@avin1973]

It surprised me too.

[@princetrophies]

I took a shot to malty malties the other night.

[@scotchnstogies]

84? You seemed so in live with this one I thought it'd be getting a 90! Lol. Did I miss something?

[@shuboy05]

I've heard plenty of good reviews but I haven't opened my bottle (or my bottle of Snow Phoenix). If you really enjoy Glenfiddich I'd say go for it.

[@alanmaniswin]

As far as laphroaig goes it's pretty unique in its taste, but if you're looking to try something else peated, then you wont go far wrong with Ardbeg 10, Lagavulin 16, or something peated from bruichladdich (port charlotte heavily peated, or port charlotte the peat project), best of luck ^_^.

[@jackmatthew1880]

Ralfy, Quick question: You mentioned disparagingly that you wouldn't be reviewing Glenfiddich 18. But while it's on offer for £50 at Sainsbury's, is it worth a go?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . perhaps it's on offer because it's not selling !

[@jackmatthew1880]

LOL. I'll take that as a no. Thanks for the quick reply!

[@Sheriff_GrimLaw]

I did. Though I haven't opened it yet. x

[@cato451]

No malt mark?

[@devo99uk]

Some funny pricing going on at Asda at present where the Glenfiddich 15 yo Solera Vat is £3 cheaper £30 than the Glenfiddich 12yo at £33

[@italpeel]

This is my favourite gf so far. Having tried the 12,15,and 18,I find this one absolutely sublime

[@Malt454]

I agree - I didn't think the enthusiasm of the comments were well matched by the mark.

[@toninobaroni1572]

Why a 84... U seem to enjoy it better than that????

[@brian6x]

So the original 15 y.o. and 12 y.o. get higher marks?

[@mrougelot]

Some Kelpie seaweed ale, nice taste

[@EveryThingAtOnce1042]

I just bought this bottle and the score on the Solera is better than this? Ralfy - please tell me i didn't buy the wrong one at a higher price!!

[@thewhiskybothy]

they are different !

[@TheEpoxyExperts]

Can't go wrong with the Solera Reserve Vikram. Enjoy.

[@en3rgieboy]

+Vikram Basrao scores are all relevant, ralfy rated caol ila 12 only 84, but its my favorite islay malt (I've tried them all uigeadail, lagavulin 16, talisker etc etc)

[@en3rgieboy]

scores are all relevant, everyone has different preferences

[@oshobhagwan]

why is the dude reading out the flavours?

[@TheEpoxyExperts]

Ta Ralfy! The Solera Reserve is always welcome thirst quencher, and the Glencairn knows; but this version, distillery 15 y.o. occupies the same shelf. Been a mystified malty madcap of ralfy.com for many moons now and brought with me several converts ( gin-drinkers, God save the heathans) . Any review on a scotch called Old Parr? According to the label, the Tom Parr lived to be an age of 152 years old; label I remember from me Da's altar of spirits back in the 60's.

[@Euphorica]

Ya, I did some quick research after I asked and found the same thing.("Promotional"). Apparently those who have tasted it, enjoy it but the reviewers werent experts such as yourself ;) Appreciate the replies

[@scotchnstogies]

So in love*

[@dabell12]

very suprise , only 84 , for Glenfiddich Quality malt. this is one of the top quality malts, & 84 dosen't sound nothing to be proud for this brand.

[@Juraj_H.]

try Ardbeg

[@borismorrison]

go for Ardbeg

[@zenmastakilla]

English independence!!

[@askew99]

18 y/o currently on offer in Tesco's for £32.. bargain!

[@askew99]

first?!

[@XCygnusX]

I feel like all he does is randomly ramble off different flavors to make himself look special.