Re-Tasting The Classics

[jwise]

Last year I went through the Glenfiddich core expressions: 12yr, 15yr & 18yr (sample pack of 50ml bottles). I didn't care for the 12yr, found the 15yr to be decent, and hated the 18yr. I have since been told that my tasting notes from the 18yr were very odd for it, and probably indicated I had a bad bottle.

In addition, I have no love for any Glenlivet. I can't remember which ones I've tasted, so I have a hard time being specific about this. I have read some pretty decent reviews of the 15yr French Oak and 18yr, but can't remember if these were two that I had previously tasted.

My first jaunt away from Highland and Speyside whiskies was to the Isle of Orkney, in a bottle of Highland Park 12. My bottle of HP 12yr came with a 50ml bottle of HP 18yr. I don't remember the 18yr very much, but I do remember not being overly impressed with it, at least compared to the 12yr which is MUCH cheaper. Being my first non-Speyside whisky, it is probable that my palate just couldn't detect/discern the nuances between the two.

Lastly, last year at the same tasting where I sampled the Glenfiddich line I tasted the Macallan 12yr and 18yr. I did not have glowing remarks for these whiskies, which is not normal.

I have been considering giving these 'classic malts' a second go-round, as they were tasted all around the same time, and mostly during a tasting of several whiskies in one evening. Over time, my palate has changed, and I have learned how it is important to taste with a clean palate before eating a meal, as well as after dinner or other spirits. I have experienced the change a malt undergoes given a change in the circumstances surrounding a tasting.

Well, I have decided it is high-time for this "re-tasting of the classics", so I have compiled the whiskies needed. Luckily, I was able to find them in miniatures (50ml bottles) so I don't have to spend a small fortune.

The lineup:



Highland Park: 18yr
Glenfiddich: 12yr, 15yr, 18yr
Macallan: 12yr, *18yr
Glenlivet: 15yr French Oak, 18yr

Is there anyone else out there who has re-tasted whiskies, only to find that you now really like them? What were they? What do you expect me to discover about these whiskies that I missed the first time?

*I've already re-tasted this classic, and have posted my new review in this forum