Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Year

This is a review of the exclusive duty-free version bottled at 43% Nose - Nice fruity/floral, dark fruity honey, vanilla, ripe apples, pears, hint of cooked golden raisins Taste - Nice gentle candied ginger spice, golden floral honey, vanilla, hint of cinnamon, spiced apple/pear cider, lightly drying mouthfeel, fruity oak, golden raisins Finish - Lingering gentle candied ginger heat, light grape seed/vine bitterness, fruity honey, more mix of ripe and unripe green pear, light mineral/chalky/dusty mouthfeel Score - 86/100 Final Thoughts - I haven't tried the 40% version, but I expect the 43% version is significantly better as I think that slight bump in proof helps preserve and enhance some of the more subtle characters in this dram. This has a very nice pleasant nose that does hint to an effervescent/acidic grape influence to it which I found nice & enjoyable. This does translate a bit to the palate, but a bit more gently. I get a very dark fruity fresh honey vibe to the dram which is nice and I can see how this could appeal to the masses (especially those who are new to Scotch and are looking for something approachable). The mouthfeel does capture a bit of the mouthfeel and "vibe" I get from older Scotches. Finish is a bit short, but pleasant. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe Would I buy a bottle? - No, I'd value this bottle at about $80-$100USD

Interesting finish, kind of lifts up at the end, which I think is because of the bubblyness from the champagne? I don't know. Enjoyable dram, but I wouldn't pay the $300 the VA ABC is looking for. Very smooth with minimal burn. Palate was sweet with honey and maybe a white grape? I'd also venture to say there was a floral taste as well. Quite nice and I liked it better than the 18, but certainly beyond my price range. The box is pretty cool. It spins open and makes a great presentation overall, which is the kind of vibe they're going for. That this spirit will enhance any mood, night, etc, and I think it'd be something nice to share with people who are fancy and would toast with champagne, but instead, the whiskey connoisseur gives them this and they'd all enjoy it and discuss how it's different.

Too light; nearly no nose, little too gentle of a dream for me