As someone who is not a massive whisky drinker, I was pleasantly surprised by the Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky (15 yr old). One of the first things that struck me about this whisky was its smoothness. It goes down effortlessly and doesn't have that harsh burn that some whiskies can have.
Now, onto the question of whether Glenfiddich 15 is smokey. it does have a smokey flavor, but it's not overpowering. It's more of a subtle smokiness that adds depth and complexity to the overall taste. It's not like drinking a peaty Islay whisky where the smoke is the dominant characteristic. Instead, the smokiness in Glenfiddich 15 is well-balanced and plays nicely with the other flavors.
When I first tried Glenfiddich 15, I enjoyed it neat. The flavors were more pronounced and I could really appreciate the smokiness in each sip. However, I also tried it on the rocks and found that the ice mellowed out the smokiness a bit, making it even more approachable for those who might not typically enjoy a heavily peated whisky.
One thing that stood out to me about Glenfiddich 15 is its versatility. It's a whisky that can be enjoyed on its own, sipped slowly and savored, but it also works well in cocktails. The smokiness adds an interesting twist to classic whisky cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour.
I would highly recommend giving Glenfiddich 15 a try if you're looking for a smooth and subtly smokey whisky. Whether you prefer it neat or on the rocks, it's a well-rounded and enjoyable dram that will please both whisky enthusiasts and those new to the world of Scotch.