Glenfiddich 23 Year Old Grand Cru Single Malt, 26 Year Old Grand Couronne Single Malt and 14 Year Old Rich Oak 2010
let’s begin
Like many distilleries these days, Glenfiddich are exploring various cask types to create bold new flavour profiles. Their Grand Cru, Grand Couronne and Virgin Oak are some of their latest releases.
Storming Ahead
Glenfiddich are well known for pushing the boat out. They have experimented with cask types and finishing processes in ways other distilleries just haven’t. And not without good reason.
With popular interest in whisky skyrocketing these days, its no wonder so many distilleries are seeking out new ways to intrigue their audiences. No more is Scotch exclusive to dusty old men in golf clubs, now it is the spirit of the people.
We’re exaggerating slightly, but whisky and Scotch in particular have certainly flourished in recent years. As a result new brands are appearing and older ones looking to do something new.
Glenfiddich have been turning out new expressions rapidly and many of these are explorations in new maturation techniques, using casks that aren’t commonly used in the process.
GRAND CRU 23 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT SCOTCH
Bottle cost: £230.00
One of their more recent releases is the Grand Cru Single Malt. Having been matured in American and European Oak casks for a whopping 23 years, this expression was then finished in French cuvee casks. For those who aren’t wine experts, cuvee is a type of vatted or blended wine.
The nose begins with lovely earthy aromas of orchard fruit and citrus. There is a hint of herbs and freshly made bread with a drizzle of honey and caramel.
The palate is rich and fruity, with more citrus notes and zest, slightly tart white grapes. Oak wood appears, as does sandalwood and a lovely hint of apricots.
The finish brims with orchard fruits, including apple and pears.
Grand Couronne 26 Year Old Single Malt Scotch
Bottle cost: £375.00
Glenfiddich are really embracing the talents of French wine makers these days. Their Grand Couronne has been finished in French Cognac casks. The name literally means Crown in French so it’s no surprise that their pretty proud of this one.
The nose opens on lovely citrus notes, flaky pastry and rich honey. It is sweet and well developed, with a hint of spice. There is a wonderful oak note that floats throughout.
The palate is creamy, with more oak notes and a dash of vanilla. Custard tarts and cinnamon buns appear. Caramel runs throughout and gives it a lovely mouth fee.
The finish is bold and sweet with more oak wood.
14 Year Old Rich Oak Single Malt Scotch Whisky
While not entirely new, having been released a number of years ago, this expression is an excellent example of Glenfiddich’s history in choosing interesting maturation processes. Matured for 14 years in new American and Spanish Oak casks, this bottling is exquisite.
The nose bursts with fruits and spices. It is full of cinnamon, raisins, apples, oranges and a lovely dash of nutmeg. The spices are warming and go well with the tang of the fruit. There is a wonderful hint of vanilla sweetness underneath it all.
The palate is full of oak wood, vanilla and sweet nuts. Dried fruits, cinnamon and caramel abound, giving it a varied and well developed flavour profile.
The finish is string and warming, lingering on cinnamon and oak.
These are three brilliant malt from Glenfiddich. The distillery has been around long enough to know when it needs to shake things up, and it is certainly doing that these days.
Are you a fan of the new Glenfiddich Grand Cru and Grand Couronne? What about their Rich Oak? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Greg
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