Glenfiddich Fire & Cane

Happy Whiskey of the Wednesday friends.

I think I've been focusing a bit too much on American blends and straights the past few weeks so we're going to dip into a juice from across the pond again, gettin' nice and toasty with the Speyside Single Malt Scotch, Glenfiddich's 'Fire & Cane' experimental series. The premise here is they take their (no age statement) Single Malt and finish that smokey beast in used Rum casks for a few months, then toss her in a bottle and call it good. We're looking for the advertised "campfire smokiness and toffee sweetness", and here's a bit of a breakdown in what I find. 

Nose - Honey and candied lemons, very familiar to a Ricola lozenge, then a tinge of smoke introduces itself and takes over the deeper you go. Toffee and caramel on the back end on deep breaths.

Palette - Instantly enjoyable. Easily one of the friendliest scotches I've ever drank - albeit I have a bit too much experience in Islays - and absolutely beginner friendly. I get a huge up front blast of sweet fruits and lemon citrus that lead to a floral, fragrant cleanliness that guides you into an earthy, peaty sensation.

Finish - As the peat of the palette takes over, the finish falls down into smoke and anise, with one of the most mellow "burns" of experienced in a Scotch.

My verdict comes to this; Fire & Cane is an impressive bottle that is great for newbies and experienced tasters the same. Those with a less refined palette will still be able to pick up a lot of the nice bits, and unlike some other Scotches, it won't throw you down a well if you're not acclimated to the taste. Glenfiddich is one of my favorite distilleries in Scotland, for the soul purpose of usually putting out very obtainable, enjoyable, friendly whiskeys that can be used to impress your friends or enjoy on your own. The bottle comes to $50 without tax, and I consider that a very modest price point for the quality you're getting here. I would put Fire & Cane into a similar class as Monkey Shoulder, in that it's great for everyone and overall affordable. Toss this one in your collection if you want something nice to offer good company without breaking the bank.

--- Afterword

This Whiskey Wednesday falls between two very important dates, both concerning the same man. I and many others consider David Bowie as one of their greatest inspirations, hero, icon, etc. Yesterday was the day of his birth, and tomorrow marks the third anniversary of his departure to the stars. I will be forever grateful to have been introduced to his music and able to enjoy all that Bowie had to offer the world, and I know his legacy will continue on long after I have gone to join him. 

I miss you Starman, may you shine eternal among the cosmos.