Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Barrel Reserve Review

Last Updated on: 19th October 2024, 12:37 am

Dive deep into the Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Barrel Reserve Single Malt Scotch through my comprehensive review, covering every detail.

Reviewed by: J Highland

Glenfiddich 14: Smooth Speyside Single Malt with a Bourbon Twist

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Glenfiddich 14 is a 14-year-old Speyside single malt Scotch whisky that offers a smooth, rich, and approachable drinking experience. Let's delve into its strengths and weaknesses to see if this is the right dram for you.

Strengths:

• Smooth and Rich: As Neil Coleman notes, this whisky boasts a pleasant texture that's not overwhelming, making it ideal for those who enjoy easy-sipping whiskies.
• Bourbon Influence: The 14-year maturation in ex-bourbon casks adds hints of vanilla and oak, appealing to bourbon enthusiasts.
• Great Value: Compared to top-shelf single malts, the Glenfiddich 14 offers similar bourbon-like characteristics at a more affordable price point.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Complexity: While offering more depth than the standard 12-year Glenfiddich, the 14 still lacks the intricate flavors found in higher-end single malts.
• Bourbon Availability (US): For bourbon lovers in the US, readily available bourbons might provide similar flavor profiles for potentially better prices.

Verdict:

The Glenfiddich 14 is a solid single malt with a smooth, approachable character and a touch of bourbon influence. Its reasonable price makes it an attractive option for those seeking a pleasant Speyside dram or a gateway into bourbon-flavored whiskies. However, for those seeking the full complexity of the single malt world, there might be better options available.

• Related: Best Glenfiddich Picks
• Learn more: Glenfiddich 14 Website

What makes it unique?

Matured for 14 years in former bourbon American Oak casks, then refined in new charred American Oak barrels from The Kelvin Cooperage in Louisville, Kentucky.

How does it taste?

• Nose: Pencil eraser, honey, caramel, vanilla
• Palate: Caramel, pear, charred oak, vanilla
• Finish: Short-lived, fruity, spice
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Similar to: Glenfiddich 15

Glenfiddich 14 has an unusual scent reminiscent of a pencil eraser, evolving into hints of honey, caramel, and vanilla.

It melds caramel and vanilla on the palate with Glenfiddich's signature pear taste.

This is complemented by a charred oak ending that echoes bourbon tones.

The conclusion is brief, with gentle warmth and a delicate touch of spice.

Is it smoky?

On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest score, the Glenfiddich 14 scores a 1, indicating it has no smokiness.

Glenfiddich 14 FAQ

This is a quick FAQ to address your questions:

Alternatives

• Consider the similarly priced Balvenie 12 DoubleWood.
• It offers equal smoothness and is exceptionally drinkable, making it a delightful choice for enthusiasts of easy-to-drink whiskies.

Price

Prices are approximate and stated in local currency:

• United States: $52
• Canada: CA$105
• Britain: £47
• Australia: $120

How to drink it?

• The Glenfiddich 14 is pleasantly smooth when sipped solo.
• Adding a touch of water can unveil a hint of sweetness, but be cautious not to add too much, as it can kill the flavor.

Also read: How to Drink Glenfiddich 14

Alcohol content

• 86 proof (43% ABV).

Awards

• Silver at LA Spirit Awards and SF World Spirits Awards in 2020.

Does it expire?

• Scotch doesn't expire.
• Store in a cool and dark place, away from sunlight.
• Consume fast once the content drops to 25% to prevent the whisky from developing awkward flavors.

How to store it?

• Upright position in a cool area, protecting it from sunlight and preventing stopper contact.

Glenfiddich 14: Specs

Type of Whisky	Single Malt
Age statement	14
Proof	86
ABV	43
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	No
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Yes
Warm?	No
Peaty?	No
Good for beginners?	Yes
Good for cocktails?	No
Good with Coke?	No
Calories per shot	108
Gluten-free	Yes
Keto-friendly	Yes
Kosher	No

How did I review the Glenfiddich 14?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.