The Glenfiddich 30 Years was first launched in 2007 and got new editions in 2010 and 2018.
It is one of their high-end single malt bottlings, only topped by the 40 and 50 year-old versions in the core range. It is matured in American bourbon casks and around 30% of European Oloroso sherry casks.
Glenfiddich 30 yo (43%, OB 2018)
Nose: really gentle, even a bit shy. I get stewed fruits (peaches, oranges, plums) and a few buttery touches, with a malty core, ginger and nutmeg. Polished furniture, a hint of cigar boxes. A little cocoa, raisins and roasted nuts as well, but all silky smooth.
Mouth: soft yet there’s quite some oak spice (nutmeg, peppery warmth, aniseed) mixed with hints of coffee beans, dates and caramel. Seville oranges. Abundant resinous oak. Cake. Some nougat and a slightly charred edge, leading to dark chocolate towards the end.
Finish: quite long, on chocolate notes, leather and oak spice.
Not the bright, fruity dram I was expecting. This has more punch and darkness to it, thanks to the sherry casks. That said, the richness and the low ABV seem to work against each other. A hefty price tag for what you’re getting (boxes rarely seduce me). Available from The Whisky Exchange or Master of Malt for instance.