Glenfiddich NAS Snow Phoenix (47.6%, OB, 2010)

A dram with a story, non-chill filtered and a limited edition n to boot…the nose is quite strong at first blush with loads of cask notes and banana, rich over ripe fruit (pear & lychee) along with some heather, candle wax and cold unsweetened tea (and no milk of course!). Quite a strong nose for only a short hop over 46% ABV but all in all very pleasant and time in the glass does it not harm; quite multi faceted. The taste is a surprise in that it’s much like the nose with a big strong arrival and lots of wood notes; oak spice, hints of nutmeg and clove, some more of the heather (some fragrant notes lurking behind the oak spice) and a little malt. However much like the aroma it’s all very nice; quite a big whisky and very enjoyable, solid without any off notes. A little malt hiding in the back ground. The finish is still warming (my oh my, the alcohol is quite evident even in the finish) and is very active with the aforementioned descriptors and finally some malt arrives towards the end, a nice gift (actually it grows quite a bit and becomes quite assertive).

A very nice Glenfiddich indeed. A little water improves it immensely; reduces the alcohol and brings out a really good interplay between the sweetness and the oak spice. Excellent with water. Still peppery though…

Price $90

Score 89

Read all about the Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix HERE