Glenfiddich 12yo Single Malt

So after doing some more research I have found that professional whisky drinkers recommend Glenfiddich as a first time whisky for anyone wanting to really start appreciating whisky. So it seems that I made a good decision in choosing Glenfiddich and it shows in the quality of the product and the taste. Now then, let's get on with it shall we?

Nose: Straight away I got the smell of sweet ripened pears. Followed by a very subtle hint of vanilla. Like the 15yo, the sherry notes were very pronounced.

Taste: There was a light intensity, but the arrival of the sweet pear and dried apple flavors rolled nicely on the tongue. Develops well. I get a beautiful brandy note coming through. Some spices and  dried fruits marched out hand and hand, followed by a light toffee flavor. At the end of the development, oak and smokey peat stays with you like a loyal friend. Mellows out to a smooth finish.

Added a little drop of water and let it sit for 5 minutes to open up. Super mellow, smokey, light, toffee, ripe pear and dry apples at the finish.

This is a very nice whisky. Would not mix with anything and would recommend to my friends and family.
Bottoms up!

That said; Not to take anything away from Glenfiddich 12yo...but if you have the extra $8, I would heavily recommend getting the 15yo Solera reserve. It is a smoother whisky by comparison and a richer pallet of flavors, in this bloggers completely unprofessional opinion.

Chivas Regal 12

I will have to be honest; my first experience with Scotch was with Chivas Regal. Not knowing any better at the time, I drank it like my father would… ice and club soda. This week, I reintroduced my taste buds to a treat, and drank the 12 year old whisky neat.

Chivas Regal was distilled at Strathisla Distillery, owned by the Chivas Brothers in Speyside, Scotland. Now owned by a French Company, it is still distilled in one of the oldest distilleries in the Highlands. I took out the 12 year old whisky, bottled in a nice round 1 liter flask and poured me a dram.

Chivas is a blend of other whiskies, including Strathisla Single Malt. At first sight, the light gold colored drink also had a light consistency. The aromas from my glass where bitter sweet, very little sweet and over powering bitter nodes. At first taste, I held the drink in my mouth and can taste as if there was charred wood, perhaps from the peat fire drying process, or reused cask. The over powering bitterness aroma was not as present in the taste, but a fair balance of bitterness and sweet fruit. The mouthfeel had a buttery consistency, but it wasn't as smooth at the finish.

I don't feel like I would buy another bottle of Chivas Regal, I was a little disappointed and would not recommend to family or friends. Don't let me hold you back, feel free to try it next time you're are a bar and taste for yourself. 

Glenfiddich 15yo Solera reserve

I've been wanting to sample this whisky since I read about it a few days ago, but didn't think I could afford the $50 price tag (with my car in the shop and all.) As luck would have it, my local spirits and wine store had a sample pack of all three years for $15.99!! Oh yeah, you bet your sweet ass I got it!!

This is Gini from the Barrel House in El Paso Texas. She kicks ass and I only get my booze from her. Here is what I thought of the Glenfiddich 15yo. 

Nose: I got a hint of raisins at first. Then the smell of sherry comes through. It also has a light, smokey smell.
Taste: It starts right away with the sherry flavor and was surprisingly smooth. It begins to develop with a classy swagger. I got that taste of raisins I smelled, as well as dried fruits, followed by a smokey and woodsy flavor. Nothing about this was bitter nor overly sweet. It lingers for a while and smooths out nicely.
Adding a drop of water made it develop too fast and I didn't get to enjoy the flavors. But it did mellow out the alcohol without too much sacrifice. Mixing this with a soft drink, or anything for that matter, would be a shame and a waste of your money. Use something cheap and low shelf like Jack Daniels old no7 for that.
I would not recommend drinking cold or with ice, room temp is best or you will kill the aromatic flavors. I let it sit for 5 minutes so that it got the chance to open up.

I would most definitely pay $50 for a bottle, time and time again. I would recommend to my friends and family.
Bottoms up!!