subject: The Whisky Gspot [print this page] We are continuing on with our monthly theme of 2012 New Releases for this blog focusing on some of the years new bottlings from distilleries beginning with G. The number of distilleries in Scotland that begin with G is rather impressive. We list 32 on our distilleries page. The next letter closest to that number is B with 16; half that amount. The Gs cover Speyside and the Highlands mostly. They tend to have the unique earthy or smoky base associated with these regions.
Glenfiddich is one of the most popular and well-known distilleries in Scotland. It was originally established near Dufftown, Speyside in 1886 by the Grant family, who still own it today. It is estimated that 1 in 5 of all single malts sold in the world are Glenfiddich. So when a new Glenfiddich bottling is released you can imagine the excitement of its loyal drinkers.
One of this years releases is the Glenfiddich 19 Year Old Age of Discovery. This whisky was originally matured in oak casks that were previously used to age fine Maderia wine. The casks came from the Canteiro Henrique & Henrique warehouses. All of which were used to mature wine made from Tinta Negra Mole grapes in Portugal before being shipped to the Glenfiddich distillery in Scotland. This 19 Year Old is the first bottling in a planned series named the Age of Discovery. The packaging is interesting showing an old map of Europe on the box, but the flavour is what we are most interested in. The nose has a deep earthy aroma with a mixture of sweet figs, tangy orange marmalade, juicy grapes and sharp gooseberries. The palate is rich with caramelised fruits and crystallised ginger covered in a scattering of ground peppercorns and cinnamon, all found on a consistent base of dry earthy oak. And finally, the finish is dry and warm, flowing into a sweet and subtle conclusion.
Another from Glenfiddich is the 21 Year Old Gran Reserva. Matured differently, this whisky was aged in oak rum casks from Cuba and Bourbon whisky barrels from America. The nose is sweet and mellow with a soft vanilla, banana hints, thick toffee, earthy oak and floral notes. The palate is soft and rushes over the tongue with zesty lime and ginger, dried oak and spices, all covered by wisps of smoke. The finish is warm, smooth and long with a culmination of all these flavours.
Another G distillery is Glenglassaugh. This distillery has a reputation for bouts of closure followed by bursts of production. It is situated in Aberdeenshire in the Highland region with the Glenglassaugh Spring as its water source. The Glenglassaugh Red Port Style Finish was bottled in July of this year. It was matured for 45 years in casks from the Massandra wine collection which helped the single malt whisky develop exclusive and distinctive flavours. This individual bottling has a luscious fruity nose. A mixture of sweet plums, succulent strawberries and juicy blueberries come across with an oaky culmination. The palate is of berry compote, oozing with an appetising combination of berries, a liquorice twist and a small play of chilli. The finish is dry and slightly salty with a flow of blackcurrant and liquorice all pulled together by a tie-in of citrus juices.
If you have any suggestions on recently released whiskies you would like us to blog about, you can let us know on our Facebook and Twitter (@smdwhiskies) accounts.
