Whisky Showdown! Glenfiddich 15 vs. Bowmore Darkest 15

Today’s edition provides some much needed distraction from a long day who’s end is near. I can think of no better way to celebrate the occasion than by tasting two fine 15-year-old whiskies, the Glenfiddich 15 and the Bowmore Darkest.

In appearance, the Bowmore is darker and richer. The Glenfiddich is no slouch though and looks tempting on its own. The legs on both run slow and thick.

On the nose, the Glenfiddich is more sweet and smooth, with gentle honey and apple tickling the sense. The Bowmore’s peaty and slightly smoky introduction reveals its Islay roots and, despite some sweet undertones of melon, honey, and pear, distinguishes it from the Glenfiddich.

On the palate, the Glenfiddich is sweet and smooth, apple, pear, nuts, caramel, light smoke…nice. The Bowmore is also smooth, but there’s some grit in the consistency at first before it eases into something more delicate. The Bowmore’s sweet spices and peat contrast neatly from the Glenfiddic. Surprisingly, the Bowmore is more sweet despite its peat and smoke. The wood, sherry, and apple pie are made more intense when tasted alongside the Bowmore.

The finish on the Bowmore is sweeter and more satisfying than the Glenfiddich’s wood and vanilla. Both whiskies provide a nice, long finish though and won’t disappoint.

Overall, my preference is for the Bowmore. The Darkest is a more complex whisky for one. Its easy drinking profile and sweet flavours, especially on the finish, earn it high marks with me and will quickly earn your appreciation as well.

Cheers!

Old Fitzgerald’s 1849

Bourbon’s have not been given their due on this blog and I intend on rectifying this by reviewing another fine American product today. Old Fitzgerald’s 1849 Kentucky Straight bourbon has been in my collection for some time. More than half the bottle has been consumed, yet I could not find the time to review the contents for my readers until now. Old Fitzgerald’s is distilled by Heaven Hill, producers of such known brands as Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, and Bernheim. This is a wheat- based product. The mash is therefore made up of corn and wheat instead of the more popular rye. This charcoal filtered whiskey is bottled at 45% abv.

The colour is copper, not unlike a shiny new penny. The legs run rather quick and thin. I added water before tasting as I find bourbon is usually better with a bit of water and even a tiny bit of ice.

The nose is pure vanilla and honey. A very warm sensation and pleasant on a cool winter day.

The palate is warm caramel, honey, hint of coffee, some smoke, light cinnamon, and old leather. It has an oily texture and somehow manages to kick in some pepper and spice here and there. If you look for it, you will find orange throughout. The orange is so obvious to me now but I was quite oblivious to its influence on the overall flavour during my first few tastings.

The finish isn’t particularly long but it is smooth and pleasant. Some pepper in there keeps it spicy even in the finish. As the pepper eases, it gives way to more vanilla. I appreciate a whiskey that ends where it started and does something different in between.

Overall, a nice whiskey and quite enjoyable for casual consumption. It may not stand out in a crowded market, but you won’t regret the purchase.

Cheers!