I love origin stories. Whether its the tale of a new business, someone’s life story or just a simple how to video on Youtube, I find them fascinating. So when the chance to taste not only an interesting whisky, but also the ale made specifically to flavour the barrels that age the dram, I was instantly interested. So I submitted my application and crossed my fingers.
Glenfiddich IPA Cask Finish is one of the interesting drams coming out of their experimental series, which combines the flavours of beer and whisky. Here is our opinions on the dram itself…
Price: £40-50
ABV: 43%
Appearance: Golden Sand on an Autumnal Scottish day.
Aroma: On first whiff this is a hugely fruity whisky, there is orange, apple, pear and lemon all floating in one big juicy cocktail of a dram. As you keep drawing the aroma through your nasal passages, there are spices. Cinnamon, mace and nutmeg. Unmistakably Glenfiddich, but with different tricks up its sleeve.
Taste: Initially heathery as the liquid meets the tongue. This flavour is a dynamic mix of floral, earthy and sweet notes, all the feel light yet complex.
The middle is a mix of wood spicing and rich ginger cake spicing. There is a dryness from the oak, but this is matched by a heat from the cinnamon notes and sweetness that always underlies the whole of the dram. This part made me reach for the cake cupboard, hoping for a sweet snack to complement the dram. Sadly, all I could find was a
Unusually here there is a final note of rising fruit, like the sweetness of orange and that arrives, as the spice dies, says hello and the drops below the heat and warmth of the spicing. The final lingering notes a warming and light.
Mouthfeel: This is a light welcoming dram.
Overall: Glenfiddich make crowd pleasing, easily approachable and subtly dynamic whisky. They aren’t gonna blow your socks off with powerful peat or indulge your need for salty coastal drams, but loads of people are guaranteed to love it. This dram is dynamic, interesting and creamy. I enjoyed the extra fruit and spice, with the orange note being really pleasing.
Real Dram Factor: 7.7
Source: #GlenfiddichIPA Tweet Tasting
More Information: Glenfiddich Website
Buy Online: Master of Malt: Glenfiddich IPA 70cl – £44.95 or Amazon: Glenfiddich IPA 70cl – £44.94