Not only is Glenfiddich one of Scotland’s oldest and most iconic distilleries, it’s also one of the last family-owned.
With the consolidation of corporate-owned single malts into global portfolios, Glenfiddich remains in the hands of the Grant family, who continues to operate the historic distillery in conjunction with Balvenie, forming what is easily the most heralded duo in all of single malt whisky.
There’s a reason Glenfiddich (along with Balvenie) continues to create amazing whiskies year after year after year: the Grant family has kept standards high and quality strong for a century and a half. Whereas many of our favorite single distilleries have had their reputations watered down by financial ambition and corporate realignment, Glenfiddich has remained a true unicorn, capable of greatness without the need for gimmicky marketing.
Case in point: the fantastic new 19 year old Bourbon Barrel Reserve, which tastes like a throwback to the old days of Glenfiddich when single malt whisky was just straightforward and outstanding. There are no tricks to this whisky, whatsoever. It’s just a simple 19 year maturation in ex-Bourbon barrels, allowing the vanilla, fruit, and spice of the whisky to shine through.
There’s so much toffee and vanilla on the finish that it comes across as creme brulée-like in a river of richness that lasts for minutes. For those shopping for the high holidays, the new 19 year old Bourbon Barrel Reserve is also certified Kosher Mehadrin.
If you like really good single malt Scotch that tastes like old fashioned, no frills, just downright delicious Scotch whisky from the past, the new 19 year old Glenfiddich hits every note: texture, weight, sweetness, depth, and deliciousness. Just like the Grant family has been doing for almost 150 years at this point.
