Glenfiddich 18 Years Small Batch Reserve Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfiddich Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: This whisky is matured for 18 years in the finest Oloroso sherry and American ex-bourbon casks. The casks are selected and built by expert Coopers, with the ex-bourbon casks coming from the US and the sherry casks from Spain. After initial maturation, the whisky is nurtured in small batches for a further three months to achieve a rich and complex flavor.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Color & Bottle Design: The whisky is presented in a rectangular-shaped box, differing from the typical 18-year-old Glenfiddich. The bottle is described as slightly lower but thicker, giving it a more impressive appearance.

Balance of Flavors: The whisky offers a rich and complex flavor profile, with a perfect balance between fruitiness, spiciness, and oakiness. There is no bitterness, only a wooden spiciness.
Unique Characteristics: Notable for its deep flavors of baked apple, cinnamon spice, and robust oak notes that have mellowed over time. The use of Oloroso sherry casks and American ex-bourbon casks contributes to its mouth-coating and mouth-watering deliciousness.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique small batch process and flavor profile set it apart from the regular 18-year-old Glenfiddich and potentially other single malts in its age category.

Production Process: The malt master, Brian Kinsman, personally selects 150 exceptional casks for this small batch reserve. The whisky is then married in large wooden tuns for an additional three months, contributing to its unparalleled richness and complexity.
Limited Edition: This small batch reserve is a limited edition, with each batch potentially offering a slightly different taste profile due to the unique selection and marrying process.

Distillery Heritage: Glenfiddich is one of the few privately owned distilleries, allowing it to plan for the long term and continue producing aged whiskies like the 30 and 40-year-old single malts, despite high demand and price increases.
Family Ownership: The distillery's ability to remain family-owned and not beholden to stock exchange pressures is highlighted as a key factor in its success and innovation in whisky production.

"A wonderful whisky, far too good... dangerously good because it's so well sipping wonderful in your mouth demanding for more." - Horst Luening
"This brings or enables the distillery to look further ahead because there is no stock exchange asking for regular dividends." - On the benefits of family ownership.

Glenfiddich 18 Years Small Batch Reserve is a limited edition single malt Scotch whisky, matured in Oloroso sherry and American ex-bourbon casks.
It offers a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of baked apple, cinnamon, and robust oak.
The whisky is part of a small batch process, personally overseen by malt master Brian Kinsman, ensuring a unique and high-quality product.
Glenfiddich's status as a privately owned, family-run distillery is emphasized as a key factor in its ability to produce such exceptional aged whiskies.
The whisky is described as "dangerously good," highlighting its appeal and the risk of it being too enjoyable.

For Whisky Connoisseurs: The unique small batch process and the complex flavor profile make this an appealing choice for experienced whisky drinkers looking for something special.
For Collectors: Given its limited edition status and unique production story, this whisky would be a valuable addition to any collection.
For Special Occasions: Its rich flavor and prestigious background make it an excellent choice for celebrating significant milestones or as a gift for discerning whisky lovers.