The Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask is among my favorite Glenfiddichs and if they treated it right it could be one hell of a dram. As it sits it’s a decent daily drinker… if you have $150 to drop on a daily drinker. I don’t, but I’m glad I got to try this because while I don’t think it’s worth its SRP it’s a tasty dram with an elegant profile.
In Glenfiddich’s Words: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask
“The Great American Rivers once transported fine oak casks filled with American bourbon towards New Orleans. Bourbon casks could only be used once, their aromas and flavours released quickly, without being exhausted by long maturation. Excellent for aging single malt Scotch.
Our second release in the Age of Discovery collection and a first for us, Bourbon Cask Reserve is inspired by that history. It is our only expression exclusively matured in American bourbon casks, for 19 years. Creating a refined balance of spicy sweetness and rich dried fruit flavours.”
Seriously, of all the Glenfiddichs I’ve ever tried this is the one I wish they had laid their bets down and delivered at cask strength. If they had I would have been first in line to pick it up. As it sits it’s a decent whisky, but not quite what I’d pay $150 for because it lacks a real sense of depth and the delivery is a bit too soft. My detailed notes are below in the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask review.
Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Info
Region: Speyside, Scotland
Distiller: Glenfiddich
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: 19 Years
ABV: 40%
Price: $150
Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Review
EYE
Straw
NOSE
Rich malt, orchard fruit, tropical fruit, cocoa, goji berries, caramel heavy dark sweets and light bits of confectioners sugar, spice and wood.
PALATE
Malt syrup, complex fruit, candied citrus, toasted grain, honeycomb, dark sweets, vanilla and light wood with hints of spice and sarsaparilla.
FINISH
Long fade of malt syrup, fruit, dark sweets, earthiness and mint
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, medium body and a smooth gentle feel.
OVERALL
Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask has an aroma that carries a solid core of dark notes, wrapped in lighter fruity notes, that flows into the palate and through the finish. It’s a good expression of Glenfiddich, but like the Glenfiddich 18 it needs more oomph to get this to the next level. Higher proof & NCF would achieve this, but I’m sure you’re sick of hearing me harp on that by now.
Constant quibble of the weak delivery aside, there’s an elegance and warmth in the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask that isn’t found in any of the other Glenfiddichs I’ve tried outside of the old Glenfiddich 15 Cask Strength. There is so much promise in this whisky, I just we could experience it.
SCORE: 88/100 (B+)
Thanks to Nate for the sample.