The recent Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Years has been matured in American and European oak casks and then finished in rare and highly prized “French cuvee” wine casks.
Glenfiddich stresses that it’s not a Champagne cask because there is no such thing, it’s merely the base wine (fermented just once) that eventually becomes the sparkling Champagne.
Glenfiddich 23 yo ‘Grand Cru’
(40%, OB 2019)
Nose: quite sweet, with an immaculate freshness really. Pear sherbet, ripe yellow apples, hints of apricot as well. Lemon sweets. Marzipan sweetness and vanilla custard. Some white bread and wet chalk in the background.
Mouth: very natural and pleasant, just a little underpowered perhaps. Bready cereals, vanilla and gentle orchard fruits. A hint of clove and pepper. A slightly vinous note as well (grapes) and a cidery edge.
Finish: not too long, still the common hints of orchard fruits and gentle oak.
It starts very fresh and inviting. On the palate this Grand Cru becomes a little less exciting, just a well-made but rather harmless dram. No complaints except for the strength. Still available from The Whisky Exchange for instance.
Score: 86/100