WF's Little Duos, today some proper Glenfiddich


July 31, 2026

Little duos, today some proper Glenfiddich

It has been absolutely ages since we last came across an independent Glenfiddich, apart from the occasional one released under the Wardhead trade name, so today's line-up was always going to consist of official bottlings. Among them is a co-branded edition with Aston Martin, following in the footsteps of Bowmore's earlier collaborations. The real question, of course, is whether such rather contrived partnerships can genuinely generate any meaningful halo effect from one brand to the other.

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin F1 driver (Aston Martin)

Glenfiddich 15 yo ‘Our Solera’ (40%, OB, +/-2026)

I rather like the new presentation here, more retro and considerably more elegant than the previous ones. I should remind you that this isn't a true solera as in Jerez, but rather a perpetual vatting. I had rather enjoyed the Vat 03 released in 2022 (WF 84). Colour: gold. Nose: reminiscent of an IPA, with apple and quince compote, a touch of ginger, a hint of fino, fresh apple juice and a little cinnamon. It feels rather less innocuous and livelier than the versions from ten or twenty years ago. In short, I like it rather more. Mouth: really very attractive despite the relative lack of oomph, hence that apple juice with cinnamon profile. Green walnuts, a faint touch of fudge, tea, vanilla and a gentle, malty beer. Very pleasant indeed, although it really becomes kind of a little lightish because of the modest strength. Finish: fairly short but clean. This is generally the point at which this style of malt tends to lose a few marks, let's be honest. Comments: I still find it distinctly superior to the last 15-year-old we tasted in 2023 (WF 79).
SGP:541: 82 points.

Glenfiddich 19 yo ‘Aston Martin’ (43%, OB, +/-2025)

At 43% vol., this is unlikely to be a V12, or even a Mercedes-Benz-derived V8. All right, AMG. That said, the 16-year-old had very much been to my liking (WF 85). I should also point out that, in Glenfiddich's case, the co-branding was done with the Aston Martin Formula One team rather than, it would seem, the marque itself. A subtle but important distinction! Colour: gold. Nose: richer, almost waxy, more vegetal, with some very lovely teas and walnuts, both fresh and older, together with a little menthol tobacco. Light touches of Fanta, or Schweppes Orange, though nothing remotely troublesome. Mouth: much closer to the 15-year-old, rather taut for Glenfiddich, fairly lively, with plenty of citrus, unfiltered apple juice, cola and apples in all their guises. Apples are a marvellous thing in a fine malt. A small touch of fresh turmeric. Finish: medium in length, very much on apples, cinnamon, ginger and a few bitter almonds. Comments: it remains a little light, but in this context that is by no means a flaw. A gentle fino-like side that is thoroughly charming for those who enjoy that style as much as we do.
SGP:551: 85 points.

Check the index of all Glenfiddich we've tasted