Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Red Wine Cask Finish Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glenfiddich Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Finished in oak casks previously used for South American red wines, including Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Age Statement: 19 years.
Color: Rich gold with a hint of ruby. It is noted that the whisky might be colored.
Clarity: Not specifically mentioned, but the color description implies clarity.
Bottle Design: The bottle and packaging feature ancient sailing ships and continents, highlighting the Age of Discovery theme. The box design includes a depiction of the HMS Beagle, adding to its historical allure.

Balance of Flavors: A complex balance of sweet berry flavors, velvety sweetness, and warm spicy notes.
Unique Characteristics: The red wine cask finish contributes to a rich oakiness, berry sweetness, and a hint of coffee in the aftertaste. The whisky is described as smooth, with no overwhelming alcohol presence, and a velvety sweetness.
Comparison: The reviewer prefers the Madeira cask finish over the bourbon cask finish within the same series, indicating a preference for the richer, fruitier profiles.

Interesting Anecdotes: The Age of Discovery series is inspired by the era of global exploration, with packaging that reflects this theme. The use of South American red wine casks for finishing ties back to the global journey of wine cultivation and production. The mention of the HMS Beagle connects the whisky to Charles Darwin's historic voyages, adding a layer of storytelling to the whisky's identity.

Historical Context: The whisky celebrates the Age of Discovery, an era marked by exploration and the introduction of new world wines to Europe. The use of red wine casks from South America for finishing the whisky underscores the global connections and influences in both the whisky and wine industries.

Opinions: The reviewer appreciates the complex flavor profile and the smoothness of the whisky but expresses a desire for a slightly higher ABV to enhance its impact.
Quotes: "Wonderful whiskey. The wine brought a lot to this one," and "This sweet, awfully sweet marshmallow aroma is not too strong."

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Red Wine Cask Finish is a 19-year-old single malt Scotch whisky with a rich gold color and hints of ruby.
It features a complex flavor profile with sweet berry flavors, velvety sweetness, and warm spicy notes, enhanced by the finishing in South American red wine casks.
The whisky's packaging and theme pay homage to the era of global exploration, with specific references to the HMS Beagle and Charles Darwin's voyages.
The reviewer appreciates the whisky's complexity and smoothness but suggests a higher ABV could improve its impact.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in unique cask finishes and historical themes will find this whisky particularly appealing.
History Buffs: Individuals fascinated by the Age of Discovery or the story of Charles Darwin might enjoy the thematic elements of this whisky.
Red Wine Lovers: Fans of red wine may appreciate the influence of Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon casks on the whisky's flavor profile.
Beginners: The smoothness and sweet, fruity flavors make it accessible for those new to whisky, though the complexity might be more appreciated by experienced palates.