Thirty years in a cask is a long time. The world outside Dufftown has changed a great deal since this whisky went into wood sometime in the 1980s, and since 2007, when Glenfiddich redesigned the 30 Year Old and raised the strength to 43%, this version has stood apart as a small piece of distillery history in its own right. This bottle is from before that change, back when it carried the name Blue Label and was bottled at 40%.
The Expert's Description
Glenfiddich 30 Year Old is a Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in Oloroso Sherry Casks and American Bourbon Casks and bottled at 40%. This is the original edition of Glenfiddich's 30 Year Old, launched in 2000 and discontinued when the distillery gave both the label and the strength an overhaul in 2007. Since then the 30 Year Old has been bottled at 43%, while this particular bottling still carries the old strength. Every cask is personally nosed and approved by Glenfiddich's Malt Master before it earns a place in the final vatting, and only a limited number of casks make it all the way through thirty years in the warehouse. Maturation alternates between Spanish Oloroso Sherry Casks, which lend depth and dark fruit, and American Bourbon Casks, which contribute vanilla and a touch of sweetness. The result is a whisky that carries three decades of patience within it, complex but never heavy.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Dark oak, toasted almond and a hint of spiced sherry greet the nose first. Behind that sits dried fig and a faint, damp earthiness reminiscent of an old library.
Palate
The palate is round and full-bodied with notes of date, caramelised sugar and a slightly bitter orange peel. Oak steps forward clearly alongside warm festive spices, cinnamon and clove.
Finish
The finish is long and dry, with a last flicker of dark chocolate and worn wood that lingers well after the final sip.
Specifications
Name: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Distillery: Glenfiddich
Region/Country: Speyside, Scotland
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Age: 30 years
ABV: 40%
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Oloroso Sherry Casks and American Bourbon Casks
Bottled: 2007
Edition: Blue Label, discontinued edition prior to the 2007 redesign
EAN no.: 5010327395258
Flavour Profile
Sherry-Matured · Spiced · Fruity · Oak-Driven · Round
Investment Potential
The investment potential is rated medium to high. This pre-2007 edition is discontinued and is becoming harder to find every year, and it now trades noticeably above what a comparable newer 30 Year Old from Glenfiddich costs. Collectors are especially drawn to the old 40% strength and the original Blue Label design.
Did You Know?
Glenfiddich was the first Scotch distillery to open its doors to visitors, back in 1969, at a time when most other distilleries kept production firmly behind closed doors.
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