washeewashee_reviews
Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Year
Single Malt — Speyside, Scotland
Reviewed
October 15, 2019 (edited February 18, 2020)
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
253.44
USD
per
Bottle
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@kyle_brady it also depends on the state your in iv noticed
@zachary95 I’m seeing it around $230 which isn’t bad for that age specifically. It’s the 40% abv and less-premium distillery that kills it for me. Most (many) older bottlings are done at cask strength or close to it seemingly for that very reason.
that seems like they are asking quite a bit for a 23 year
The asking price on this seems absurdly high