It is not every day that I get the chance to taste a whisky that is older than me. A whisky distilled while John F Kennedy was still the President of the USA and in the heat of the Cuban missile crises. A whisky like that holds a bit of history.
Tag: Speyside Whisky Page 4 of 14
Speyside is a “protected region” for Scotch Whisky distilling under UK Government legislation.According to Visit Scotland, this region includes the area between the Highlands to the west, Aberdeenshire in the east and extending north to the Cairngorms National Park. Speyside single malt whisky is single malt Scotch whiskies, distilled in Strathspey, the area around the River Spey in Moray and Badenoch and Strathspey, in northeastern Scotland.
Today I am trying a dram with a BIG ABV – 58.8%; the Tamdhu Batch Strength Batch 001 single malt Scotch whisky. One of the higher alcohol by volume releases in my collection. However, I bought this bottle pretty much just for the shape, not the ABV.
The bottle stands out in between the dull standard whisky bottle shapes in my collection. It is lovely and will be repurposed when empty. However, from where is Tamdhu?
It was in 1863 that the Strathspey railway first graced Speyside’s countryside. The Railway created a dependable means of travel and several distilleries were built. Tamdhu distillery was founded in 1896 in Speyside by a group of investors. During 1897 it was bought by Highland Distillers.
In 2009, the Tamdhu Distillery was mothballed. It was then sold to Ian MacLeod Distillers in June 2011. The new owners fired up the stills soon afterwards and started producing single malt again.
Tamdhu lies on the banks of the mighty River Spey, not far from Knockando. The Knockando distillery’s old railway station has since been converted into the Tamdhu visitor centre.
The new owners released their first Tamdhu single malt in 2013 – the delicious Tamdhu 10 yo. Tamdhu Batch Strength was introduced in early 2015, and it is aged exclusively in first-fill Sherry casks.
It has been followed up by Batch 002 and 003 since then, and the current release is Batch 004. Tamdhu also has a Distillery Managers Edition as well as a Dalbeallie II release.
The Tamdhu Batch Strength Batch 001 is a single malt that was matured exclusively in American and European oak Sherry casks. It is bottled without chill-filtration or additional colours.
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Tamdhu Batch Strength Whisky Review
REGION: Speyside
ABV: 58.5%
COLOUR: Amber
NOSE: Sherry hints with dark chocolate covered cherries. Some alcohol on the nose. It needs to breathe a bit. Then there are notes of sweetness and wood. Bits of vanilla and toffee sweetness with red berries and sultanas.
PALATE: Quite an alcohol bite. Fruity sweetness mixed with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Brandied cherries, red grapes with bits of pepper and toffee sweetness. Sherry mixed with cognac notes. Water tones down the alcohol bite, but add it carefully. You only need to add a few drops of water.
FINISH: Red berries mixed with spicy pepper. A long finish that lingers around for a while still.
RATING: EXCELLENT
A big, bold sherry mouthful! A delicious sherry bomb. This Batch Strength single malt Scotch is not an easy-drinking, finish the bottle tonight type of whisky. The Tamdhu Batch Strength Batch 001 is the type of whisky where you have one glass a week.
At the end of the meal, when you want to sit and debate the meaning of life while slowly sipping something special. When you have time to sit back and appreciate the boldness.
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There are many distinctive flavours to enjoy in the world of Speyside whisky, a region renowned for its fruity, nutty, and honeyed sweetness. Nestled within this whisky-rich landscape are two notable distilleries, located just a stone’s throw from each other and offering their own unique takes on the revered 12 yo single malt category.
Today, I embark on a captivating journey, comparing Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt Scotch whiskies. These two remarkable spirits are separated by flavour and striking bottle designs: the iconic triangular flask of Glenfiddich stands in stark contrast to the hip flask-inspired elegance of Singleton.
Singleton 12 year old Whisky
Our first stop is at the Dufftown Town Distillery, proudly situated in the heart of Speyside and under the ownership of Diageo. Most of the malt whisky produced at this distillery finds its way into the blends, notably Bell’s whisky and Johnnie Walker releases. Only 5% of the spirit enjoys the limelight as single malt Scotch whisky.
Singleton 12 yo single malt whisky, a product of this Speyside establishment, undergoes maturation in a combination of American and European oak casks.
Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky
Now, let’s turn our attention to the triangular-shaped Glenfiddich bottle, which has earned its place as one of the world’s best-selling single malts. Glenfiddich pioneered packaging, introducing tubes and gift tins for its bottles, a tradition that continues to this day.
What sets Glenfiddich apart is not just its remarkable whisky but also its history of remaining family-owned. Founded in 1886 by William Grant in Dufftown, Scotland, nestled in the Glen of the River Fiddich, this distillery boasts a legacy that is both rich and enduring.
Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt whisky matures in Oloroso sherry and bourbon whisky casks, further enhancing its distinctive character.
Also Read: Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 yo whisky
Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky
| Singleton 12 yo | Glenfiddich 12 yo | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Speyside Whisky | Speyside Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Deep polished copper | Bright amber |
| Nose | Sweet with caramel, toffee and vanilla mixed with malt. Notes of rich fruit and sweet spice. | Fresh fruit, oak and honey. Floral notes with faint spices in the background. |
| Palate | Spice, rich oak and toasted malt. It is rich and nutty with a great mouth feel. Heaps of sweet vanilla and hints of fruit dipped in dark chocolate. Well-balanced with the spicy and sweet in perfect harmony. | Creamy wood notes, toffee and dried fruit. Hint of pear and caramel. Cinnamon and nutmeg. Medium bodied whisky. |
| Finish | Medium length. Notes of fruit, sweet cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. There is an underlying layer of nutty toffee sweetness, which is delicious. | Medium length. Notes of oak and spice. Lovely oily mouth feel. |
| My Rating | Excellent | Excellent |
| Comments | Easy drinking and affordable. It has an underlying nutty complexity that is delicious. | Great fruity whisky to start someone on his or her whisky journey. Not the most complex, but easy drinking, smooth and well balanced. |
| Price | $41 | $54 |
| Pairs well with | Crispy pork belly or a soft cheese. | A pear and ginger crumble. |
Both of these 12 year old releases are accessible and affordable and essential additions to a whisky enthusiast’s collection.
The Glenfiddich brings notes of sweet pear, creamy oak and cinnamon. It has a lovely creamy mouthfeel and finishes in warming oak and spices.
The Singleton has toasted malt and toffee sweetness with nuts and vanilla. There is an abundance of ripe fruit and hints of dark chocolate.
The Singleton exhibits a bit more complexity than its Glenfiddich counterpart, while the Glenfiddich has a remarkable smoothness and an enticingly oily mouthfeel.
Choosing a favourite between these two magnificent offerings is a challenging task. So, I’ve chosen the path of least resistance and keep a bottle of each within easy reach in my home.
Yet, if I were to tip my hand, it’s worth noting that the Glenfiddich has graced my shelf more frequently than the Singleton, perhaps suggesting a subtle preference for the smooth and elegant charms of Glenfiddich.
But ultimately, the choice is yours to make, and exploring the flavours of Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 year old whiskies is an adventure well worth embarking upon.
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In today’s exploration, we dive into the exciting realm of 18 year old whiskies, pitting two iconic releases against each other. It’s a showdown of Speyside elegance versus the bold Highland spice as we compare Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt Scotch whiskies in the ultimate battle of flavours and craftsmanship.
Let’s make one thing clear from the start – this isn’t about crowning a winner, and choosing a favourite would be akin to picking a favourite child.
Both of these drams are exceptional in their own right, and today, we’re delving deep into their distinctions and uncovering their unique taste profiles. So, without further ado, let’s delve into the captivating world of Glenfiddich versus Glenmorangie whisky.
Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky
Our journey begins in the Highlands, in Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland, where Glenmorangie proudly stands as a towering icon. Literally, with the tallest stills in Scotland. The Glenmorangie 18 year old single malt whisky is a testament to their dedication to craft and tradition.
This Highland gem matures in bourbon casks, with some Sherry casks added. The process unfolds over 15 years in standard oak casks, after which approximately 30% of the liquid embarks on a three-year adventure in Spanish Oloroso casks.
Once both components reach the ripe age of 18, they are masterfully blended. This exquisite whisky is in the Glenmorangie Prestige Expressions collection, alongside the Signet and the 25 year old release.
Glenfiddich 18 year old Whisky
Heading south to Dufftown in the Speyside region of Scotland, we find Glenfiddich. This distillery has been delighting whisky enthusiasts since its establishment in 1886. What sets Glenfiddich apart is its continued dedication to family ownership, a rarity in the industry.
Glenfiddich’s 18 year old single malt whisky, a part of their Core range, blends Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks. The result is a harmonious marriage of flavours that tantalize the palate.
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Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old Whisky
| Glenfiddich 18 yo | Glenmorangie 18 yo | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Speyside Whisky | Highland Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Rich gold | Light golden amber |
| Nose | Oak and fresh apple notes are intertwined with barley and cereals. There is a definite sweetness of dried fruits and hints of toffee in the background. | Toffee sweet, rich and creamy. Creme Brule, honey with hints of spice and oak. An abundance of fresh fruit, dried pear and fruits of the forest. |
| Palate | Notes of oak, barley and cereal. An extraordinary smooth whisky. Fruit cake and Christmas pudding with warming cinnamon and roast nuts. Multi-layered. | Big and bold. Thick and syrupy with lots of spice and oak. Fresh fruit, pears and rich heather honey. It is rich and complex with a big fruit and spice kick. |
| Finish | A lingering spicy finish with mild nuts and toffee. | Long and lingering with hints of butter, chocolate and citrus peel. |
| My Rating | Excellent | Excellent |
| Comments | Wonderfully complex but still easy drinking. | Well-balanced and smooth. |
| You will like it if you are looking for… | Something sweeter with winter fruits and nut notes. | Summer fruits with a spicy kick that is bold and warming. |
| Price | $132 | $140 |
| Pairs well with | Brebirousse d’Argental cheese, Cassoulet, freshly baked apple pie with ice cream | Coffee and dark chocolate macaroons, aged gouda cheese |
The Glenmorangie 18 year old is big and bold with notes of fruity sweetness, hints of warming spices and a creamy texture. Notes of toffee, dried pear and creamy oak mix with cinnamon and chocolate.
The Glenfiddich 18 year old also has fruity notes, but there are more cereals, baked pudding and nuts on the palate. Oak and fresh apples balanced with Christmas spices and fruit cake.
The Glenmorangie is more spicy and fruit-forward than the Glenfiddich. The Glenmorangie has a creamier texture, but the Glenfiddich is more complex. The Glenfiddich showcases more of the creamy nuts and oak mixed with cereals that you don’t get in the Glenmorangie.
When it comes to ratings on platforms like Whizzky, it appears that the Glenmorangie might have a slight edge over Glenfiddich. However, remember that whisky appreciation is highly subjective, and personal taste plays a significant role.
I suspect many connoisseurs would agree to a place for both of these remarkable whiskies in my whisky room.
So, whether you lean toward the fruity nature of Speyside or the robust spices of the Highlands, one thing is for sure. In the Glenfiddich 18 vs Glenmorangie 18 year old whisky showdown, everyone’s a winner. Cheers to exploring these stellar 18 year old masterpieces.
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Welcome back to another exciting instalment in my whisky comparison series. Last time, we delved into the world of Double Oaked bourbons, and this week, we’re diving into the heart of Speyside with two iconic 12 yo single malt whiskies.
It’s a showdown between two heavyweights of the whisky world – Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. So, let’s explore the Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 yo single malt Scotch whiskies and see how they stack up.
Nestled within the enchanting Speyside region, mere kilometres apart, these two releases are classics. I’ve enjoyed both of these gems over the years, and I can attest to their enduring appeal.
But have you ever wondered how they fare when pitted against each other? Well, today, we’re about to find out.
Glenfiddich 12 year old Whisky
First in the ring is Glenfiddich 12 year old single malt whisky an integral part of the renowned Glenfiddich core range. Known for its distinctive triangular-shaped bottles, Glenfiddich has earned its stripes as one of the world’s best-selling single malt brands.
The 12 year old expression is the youngest member of their permanent lineup. The Glenfiddich journey began in 1886 when William Grant founded the distillery, and remarkably, it remains in the Grant family’s hands.
Glenfiddich 12 undergoes maturation in a harmonious blend of Oloroso sherry and bourbon whisky casks. It’s the ideal companion for those embarking on their whisky exploration journey.
Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky
Let’s shift our attention to Glenlivet 12 year old single malt Scotch, a whisky with a special place in my heart. It was the first single malt I had ever tasted, and its smooth, complex flavours left an indelible impression. Although it was briefly discontinued and replaced by the Founder’s Reserve, whisky enthusiasts can sigh relief as it has returned triumphantly to the scene.
The Glenlivet distillery in Moray, Scotland, draws its pure waters from Josie’s Well and nearby springs. Owned by Chivas Brothers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard, this distillery has a rich history that adds to the allure of Glenlivet 12 year old.
Glenlivet 12 year old, much like its competitor, matures gracefully in a blend of American and traditional oak casks.
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Glenfiddich 12 vs Glenlivet 12 year old Whisky
| Glenfiddich 12 yo | Glenlivet 12 yo | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $55 | $54 |
| Region | Speyside Whisky | Speyside Whisky |
| ABV | 43% | 43% |
| Colour | Bright amber | Golden wheat |
| Nose | Fresh fruit, oak & honey. The addition of water releases more florals and faint spice in the nose | Sweet with tropical fruits, vanilla and cereals. There are hints of spice and grassy notes floating in the background |
| Palate | It is wonderfully rounded with woody notes, toffee and dried fruit coming through. A subtle hint of pear with a nutty creaminess. | Fruits, cinnamon and nutmeg that mix with the oak and barley notes. Apple, honey and summer fruit appear. Rich and delicious |
| Finish | Medium length. Notes of oak and spice. There is a lovely oily mouth feel at the end | Medium length and end in lots of fresh fruit, nuts and hints of lemon |
| My Rating | Excellent | Excellent |
| Comments | Not too complex, but balanced and smooth. Easy drinking | Certainly a perfectly fruity dram |
| You will like it if you are looking for… | A light fruity dram. Perfect for a first time single malt drinker | A bit more complexity but still light and fruity. Makes for a great gift |
| Pairs well with | Pear and ginger crumble or Japanese food | Goats cheese flavoured with Italian herbs, salmon sashimi and delicate seafood such as seared scallops or prawns |
True to its Glenfiddich heritage, the 12 year old release boasts succulent pears intertwined with tantalizing vanilla spices and a nutty creaminess, creating a delightful palate. The Glenfiddich 12 year old whisky is versatile, perfect for crafting cocktails, sipping leisurely, or simply relishing life’s moments. It’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.
I have a soft spot for Glenlivet 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky. Holding that bottle in my hands floods me with nostalgic memories. Tropical fruit with cinnamon and honey balances perfectly with hints of lemon and grassy notes. Light and fruity with hints of black pepper.
Both of these whiskies are excellent. They offer consistent quality, making them easily approachable for whisky enthusiasts of all levels. And the best part? You can enjoy either of these drams for under R500.
Both of these whiskies are great choices. You can’t go wrong with either Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12 in your glass. They are two beacons of Speyside excellence, and whichever you choose, you’re in for a memorable whisky experience.
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