Glenfiddich, 50-Year-Old, Speyside, Single Malt Scotch Whisky (43.8%)

We’re drinking liquid history here. Antique gold colour. Aromas of dried citrus, lemongrass, and ginger with background honeyed vanilla, dried herb, a bouquet of roses, and a wisp of smoke. Very long and evolving on the palate, going from sweet to dry: vanilla custard, crème brulee, white chocolate, candied citrus, juicy oak, polished leather, dried tobacco, and then resinous oak, with teasing dry roasted nuts and a hint of peat bog throughout. Long, dry, resinous finish. Remarkably well-maintained for its age. I can tell that it’s an old whisky, but it shows good complexity. It’s not tired and excessively oaked.

Compared to the 30-year-old and 40-year-old expressions, it’s actually more vibrant and youthful than the 40 samples I have. Yet it doesn’t have the deft balance and roundness which I consider a hallmark of the 30. The bottom line here is that anyone who can afford this whisky and actually drinks it will not be disappointed. It’s really nice. But for us regular folk, try to pick up a 30-year-old Glenfiddich if you can find one, and you won’t go wrong with the whisky — or the price relatively speaking, that is).