Glenfiddich Single Malt (Aged 12 Years)

Before I write a blog about a whiskey, let's be very clear: I'm a very novice whiskey drinker, and I don't really know much about whiskey.

I've started drinking a bit of whiskey of the last year, and I got a bottle of this for my birthday (along with a beautiful Bavarian whiskey set), so I thought I'd write a wee blurb about it.

First of all, I don't know the approprate whiskey jargon. It was definitely smooth, but compared to other whiskeys I've had it was packed full of flavour. A lovely woody flavour, hint of sweetness, and really quite enjoyable.

I like my whiskey cold, so I had it with a couple of ice blocks, which is something that was recommended to me as it slowly releases water as you drink, so the flavour changes with each sip. This was definiately true, although I'm not quite sure I can find the words to describe it.

What I like about whiskey is that it's made from malted barley; essentially beer without the hops that is then distilled. The distilled liquor comes out clear, and is then barrel aged gaining its colour and depth of flavour from the oak barrel it's stored in. And yet it doesn't really resemble an "oaky" wine in any way. The intricacies of brewing, distilling and winemaking are very intriguing.

Anyway, this wasn't much of a review, but it's my rant. Perhaps ten years from now if this blog is still going I might write something a little more meaningful about whiskey. For now, suffice it to say, this is the nicest whiskey I've had.

Oh, and it's single malt. I understand that means it was made from one malt, but I'm not really sure what that means in terms of flavour. I will look into it.

glenfiddich.com