Had the privilege to try all these beauties at an impromptu, casual, whisky tasting session among very good friends.
From the left:
Glenfiddich 21 Year Old Gran Reserva
Glenfiddich 19 Year Old Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask
Glenfiddich 19 Year Old Age of Discovery Madeira Cask
Glenmorangie Signet
Glengoyne 24 Year Old Single Cask
All 3 Glenfiddich had a lovely, sweet aroma, and it goes down smooth and sweet too. Definitely more flavourful and character than the original Core Collection (the 12,15,18...) which were just plain and oakey. 21 is of course, the strongest smelling and tasting one being 2 years older than its two other younger siblings. Call me a cougar but my penchant was towards its younger brothers. :) It's milder and more fragrant on my very delicate nose & palate.
The Glengoyne was exceptionally fragrant, except because it was much older, the spirit from the whisky felt like it could burn off your nose hair, no joke. It was like sniffing perfume, almost impossible to drink it neat because it was so damn strong. Having a go at it while it's neat is too much for me but it tastes slightly different with ice. Actually it IS great with a piece of ice, and the whisky turns cloudy with it (don't panic, it's normal).
Signet was really odd one. It has a hint of coffee smell and it has a very bitter, coffee aftertaste. It did not go down easy for me. But it's great if you're a coffee lover/addict - not for me. But it does have a lovely, sturdy, casing which makes it look really atas though.
Sigh, how am I ever to go back to those affordable ones I have no idea. Perhaps I'll stick to water.
