"Going Stag" Has New Meaning To Me Now!

Ah, Father's Day!

This year, my father asked that I not try to educate him by introducing him to a new scotch. He likes what he likes and sees no reason to toy with that simplest of equations. He enjoys Dewar's, The Glenlivet, and Glenfiddich. Knowing my ways, he asked that I constrain myself to those distilleries.

Heeding his wishes, but still wishing to broaden his horizons, I purchased a bottle of Glenfiddich for him - not the 12-year-old as he's drunk for so long, but Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Fine Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky.

"In September of 1886, after 20 years of saving his annual salary...William Grant could finally realise he dream of creating 'the best dram in the valley.' He bought distillery equipment second-hand...and some land near the River Fiddich in Speyside - the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Here Grant, with his wife, seven sons, two daughters and one stonemason, built The Glenfiddich Distillery with their bare hands." (Available: http://world.glenfiddich.com/world/timeline/index.html)

Many years later, what makes Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Fine Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky so memorable and outstanding against other options in its price range is its unique distillation. Unlike single-vatted scotches, Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Fine Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky is matured in three distinct casks: sweet Portuguese sherry, spicy American bourbon, and nutty new oak.

Each batch is divided among the three types of casks and distilled until each has been infused with what each cask has to offer. Once complete, the individual batches of fifteen-year-old Glenfiddich are reunited in a single, large Solera vat, made of woody Oregon pine. There it rests, flavors marrying, in a Solera tun until its bottling.

Enough of this nature hike! To the pour!

I'm excited just holding this triangular bottle. The tube in which it is packaged possesses a leathern appearance. The color of the label is a collage of earth tones, the signature stag at the center.

I select a Spiegelau Single Malt Scotch Glass for the occasion. I've certainly purchased scotches more deserving of this prestigious piece of stemware, but the overall presentation of Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Fine Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky seems to command respect. The glass is iceless, as it should be. I pour the brilliant gold liquid into the bulb of the glass, filling it half way. Adding a drop of ice-cold spring water to unlock the nose, I wait painful seconds before experiencing this attractive malt.

My patience is rewarded manifold with a full, fruity nose, and a bouquet of honey, something approaching the waft of warm white chocolate, vanilla notes, and toasted peat. Shutting my eyes against a second, deeper inhalation, fall sachets and spices of the season are brought to mind.

My tongue twitching like a landed marlin for the anticipation, I take a long, slow pull from the frail tulip of glass in my hand. Immediately, I find Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Fine Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky to be regal on the palate, smooth and delectable. My palate is dazzled with moderately-deep to deep layers of flavor that reveal honey-drizzled fruit, a subtle, smoky piquancy, and the signature kiss of oak. The scotch finishes long and satisfying and lingers for minutes. At 40% ABV, the finish stings not in the least, a credit to the distillers and their superbly balanced malt.

Yes, indeed. I am my father's son - and after tasting Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Fine Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky, I think he's glad I am - this year at least!

More information, including online shopping, can be had at http://www.glenfiddich.com/


Thanks for spending some time with your Mother!

~ Mothermeatloaf

And remember to drink responsibly! The world is better with you in it!

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Note: The image of the item reflects Glenfiddich Special Reserve and NOT Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera Reserve Fine Old Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky. For the correct image, please visit: http://www.liquorama.net/ProductImages/glenfid15.jpg