The folks at Glenfiddich clearly enjoy exploring new cask types for their whisky. Whether it's peaty whisky in rum casks, or making good use of icewine casks, the distillery certainly has some experimental flair. And if experimental flair is what you're after, Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Year Old is the perfect thing. This single malt initially ages in American and European oak casks, before being moved over to rare French cuvée oak casks. The influence these casks has had on the whisky is fantastic, lifting the palate with notes of baked goods and fresh fruit.
Brioche, banana, vanilla blossom, sugared almonds, a hint of cider, lemon peel.
Melted butter on rye toast, sandalwood, peach, soft peppery hints drift in later on, with just a pinch of mint.
Flaky pastry, dry malt, pear sweetness.
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I like Whiskey, but I cannot justify well over £200 for an unrefined bottle. Waves of overwhelming alcohol. Once on the nose, the second for the first mouthful, once again after swallowing. It was like moonshine. I cant remember the flavour profiles, only that it was the worst in my 5 samples and BLOWN OUT THE PARK by Bushmills 16.
There are quite a few tasting notes to the Grand Cru 23, but, as a whole, it all falls flat and the end result, while not unpleasant, is rather unremarkable. For all the promise of its age, pedigree, beautiful bottle and packaging, this is a boring whisky. I honestly wouldn't pay more than £120 for this, in the unlikely event of buying another bottle.
N: Monkey nuts. Somewhat sweetened. P: Nuttiness continues with a slight sour sherried series of notes. A: There is a slight nougartness within the finish. Wood rears its head just enough to embellish the finish.
A great drink, my second favourite of 5 exclusive drams I tried. Smooth but warm. Flavourful but really subtle, "butter, flakey pastry, and peaches" accurately describes this drink- but I couldn't justify £206. Maybe £130/£140.
I'm a long way from being a whisky expert. I know what I like, without doing all the pretentious tasting notes malarkey. No need. I like it or I don't. This stuff... I really like. Knocked it down a star as it's a tad on the expensive side for what it is.
