Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Perpetual Collection Vat 03 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Glenfiddich as you may never have experienced it before. Elsewhere pay $200+

"epitomically Glenfiddichian... long, on apples, marzipan and amaretti." - whiskyfun.com

Along with Number 4, Vat 03 in Glenfiddich's Travel Retail Perpetual Collection is arguably the more appealing for drinkers, partly because of its age statement and partly because it lands at a higher ABV than numbers one and two. Also created via a Solera vat process which adds continuous layers of flavour by only ever bottling half the whisky in the vats before refilling, this edition was matured in x-sherry European oak and x Bourbon casks. Tasted straight, Vat 03 delivers vibrant orchard fruits and vanillan oak giving the sensation of fruit yoghurt, or perhaps the whisky equivalent of peaches and cream. Adding ice or water instantly emphasises the zero chill filtration, ramping up the juicy, malty mouthfeel and providing a finishing lick of vanilla, baking spice and hints of marzipan. Aimed at showcasing 'Fiddich's signature style, Vat 03 is predictably true to the malt they churn out in large volumes - and for good reason - it’s proved hugely popular and is incredibly accessible, only here there’s more of everything, which means extra bang for your buck. It's yet another delicious, seamless, and dare we say, smashable Glenfiddich. You'll find it hard to stop at one. 50.2% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... There's new oak, bourbon and European oak sherry inside. Colour: gold. Nose: feels bourbony at first, with even a little putty and light varnish, as well as marzipan, before it would become all a matter of apples (and a few pears), something that I've always found epitomically Glenfiddichian. Fresh, stewed, a juice, as compote, even as jam, even as eau-de-vie (some varietals do work, others remain bland). With water: the largest bag of ripe and overripe apples ever, plus a little maraschino and marzipan. Mouth (neat): really sweet. Apple compote with some honey and a cinnamon/nutmeg spice combo. Feels a touch fizzy, like good cider. No problems. With water: water brings a soapiness onto the palate (saponification), a soapiness that takes its time before it would leave us alone. The good news is that after around ten minutes, we're left with more wonderful apples and rather notes of Turkish delights. Finish: long, on apples, marzipan and amaretti. And perhaps an ultra-tiny soapiness remaining in a corner (nope, haven't changed water). Pears in the aftertaste, which makes it even more Glenfiddichian. Comments: very good cuvée but be careful with water. 84 points - whiskyfun.com

Notes from the producers... Nose: Intriguingly complex aroma with sweet heather honey and vanilla fudge combined with rich dark fruits. Taste: Silky smooth revealing layers of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon and ginger. Full bodied and bursting with flavour. Finish: Satisfyingly rich with lingering sweetness.