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My Third Scotch - Tasting Notes

Well folks, what can I say. I went looking for my third single malt Scotch today. I had a nice little list of Scotch's that I wrote down from your recommendations. I don't think any of you recommended Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 year old. But, that's what I picked up for fifty dollars. The reason I picked it up is because Jim Murray (Whiskey Bible 2004) gives it a high rating (93 out of 100) and says it's one of his regulars drinks. And to be honest, it was in a nice cardboard canister, so it looked fancy lol. I did see the Dalwhinnie 15 tho and it was very tempting.

Anyway, I just took my first drink of it five minutes ago and am still in the process of drinking my first dram of it. Well, It definitely tastes different that my last Scotch (Highland Park 12) and a little different than my first Scotch (Glenlivet 12). It does remind me of the Glenlivet 12, very light. But the Glenlivet 12 had a zing to it. So far this Glenfiddich Solera Reserve 15 is a little more mellow. Actually, it seems easier to drink than the Glenlivet 12. This Glenfiddich Solera 15 may be as easy to drink as the Highland Park 12.

Another thing - I did ask the woman behind the counter if the store could make special orders. She said yes. So I guess if there is a certain Scotch or other whisky I can't find they can order it for me. I forgot to ask her if they can order whisky not sold in the U.S. but only Europe.

Ok, just two questions:

Do all Speyside Scotch Whisky's have a similar taste as this Glenfiddich Solera Reserve?

What is exactly the purpose of those cardboard canisters? Just fancy packaging?

Thanks! And many happy drams!

Reply to
Von Fourche
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On Sun, 01 Feb 2004 02:56:32 GMT, "Von Fourche" made this cogent remark :

Simple answer ... No (and in some ways yes) there is a lot of variation among the Speysiders and the Solera Reserve is actually somewhat unique (IMO). Speysiders like The Macallen are very different than ones like Knockando .. so you can't really say they all taste alike.

They share some characteristics but by no means all... (yeah that really was the simple answer .. you've just got to try them all for yourself)

Pretty much ... but it does also protect the whisky from direct sunlight which can be damaging.

And to you as well...

Reply to
ajames54

A lucky choice, you picked what's probably the best of the standard Glenfiddich line, in my opinion. I haven't tasted the 30 year old but I like the Solera 15 better than the 18.

[snip]

In a generic way, yes. It's like "Do all rock songs have guitar solos?" or "Are all new cars front wheel drive?" Almost, but there are some exceptions. The regional styles are just ways to get some idea of what to expect from a whisky. Speyside whiskies are mostly gentle, soft, whiskies with floral notes, delicate, easy to drink, with very little peat smoke. But there are also Speyside distilleries that produce bigger more assertive whiskies.

Mostly. They do keep out light, which is said to be bad for whisky and probably is - though I've never knowingly tasted a whisky which was supposed to be ruined from exposure to light in order to learn what it does. They also give the marketers more space to put logos, crests, pictures and blandishments. And they make the bottle much easier to wrap as a gift.

Bart

Reply to
Bart

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