Glenfiddich 21 Gran Reserva
While shopping for the previous round, I spotted a couple of Hazelburn bottles and decided to pick the 9 year up for my own collection. Then, I decided to buy it again for this round of Scotch Club. A Campbeltown-centered round was a welcome departure from a streak of Highlands and Speysiders. This also gave us an opportunity to compare two bottles from the same distillery and same release. Notice I have nothing to say about the Glenfiddich. Let’s begin:
Campbeltown is a tiny but resilient region. It was in the 70s what Speyside is today. This 9 year from the Hazelburn maltings is incredibly dense and packs a punch. 116 proof, not to be fucked around with. This is complex and up front. A bit of peat. Fruity, and, in my opinion, maritime. I love this scotch for its complexity and price. Under $100, plus the high proof stretches it a bit farther.
“Reminds you that you’re drinking.” @trav
Same distillery, different barrel, higher year. This one really lingers on the tongue. We compared this to the Barolo cask: where the Barolo was incredibly dense and up front, and warranted multiple sips to decode, the 13 year Oloroso unfolded over a much longer period of time. This one was easier to drink, and lighter on the burn. Sugary and desert-like, but charred. Lingers like a motherfucker.
Glenfiddich 21 Gran Reserva
I have nothing nice to say about this scotch. Glenfiddich is the Budweiser of single malts. I tried to give it another chance here, but it offered nothing but disappointment. Actually, it offered nothing. This scotch is lacking in flavor. You get some honey sweetness and… that’s it. Might as well drink vodka.
“Scotch for casuals.” - @danoh