Professional reviews
BOW (90)
Glenfiddich 26 Years Old Grande Couronne: A Masterful Fusion of Maturation
Glenfiddich Distillery, nestled in the enchanting Scottish burgh of Dufftown, has been a pioneer in the world of single malt Scotch whisky since its establishment in 1886. With an unwavering commitment to tradition and innovation, Glenfiddich continuously pushes the boundaries of whisky craftsmanship. The Glenfiddich 26 Years Old Grande Couronne is a testament to this dedication, featuring a meticulous maturation process that combines American and European oak casks with a French cognac cask finish. In this article, we explore the exquisite qualities and flavors that define Glenfiddich 26 Years Old Grande Couronne.
A Legacy of Excellence:
Glenfiddich's rich heritage and dedication to quality shine through in the 26 Years Old Grande Couronne expression. The distillery's name, derived from the Scottish Gaelic Gleann Fhiodhaich meaning "valley of the deer," is a reflection of their connection to the natural beauty of their surroundings. With each passing year, Glenfiddich continues to embrace tradition while embracing innovative approaches to whisky production.
The Art of Maturation:
Glenfiddich 26 Years Old Grande Couronne showcases the artistry of maturation. This extraordinary expression begins its journey in American and European oak casks, where it acquires a foundation of character and depth over 26 years. Following this initial maturation, the whisky undergoes a finishing period in French cognac casks, imparting an extra layer of complexity and elegance to the final product.
Tasting Notes:
Let us embark on a sensory adventure through the tasting notes of Glenfiddich 26 Years Old Grande Couronne:
Appearance: The whisky unveils a rich amber hue, a testament to its long and patient maturation.
Nose: A captivating aroma emerges, revealing notes of ripe orchard fruits, including apples and pears, intertwined with delicate floral nuances. Subtle hints of vanilla and oak spices dance gracefully in the background, adding depth to the bouquet.
Palate: Upon the first sip, a symphony of flavors unfolds. The velvety texture envelops the palate, delivering a harmonious blend of dark chocolate, honeyed malt, and luscious dried fruits. The influence of the French cognac cask finish reveals itself with hints of warm spices, toasted oak, and a gentle sweetness reminiscent of caramel and toffee.
Finish: Glenfiddich 26 Years Old Grande Couronne leaves a lasting impression with a smooth and lingering finish. The flavors gracefully fade, leaving traces of dark chocolate, spiced fruits, and a subtle touch of oak.
Conclusion:
Glenfiddich 26 Years Old Grande Couronne is a testament to the distillery's mastery of maturation. With its fusion of American and European oak casks and a finishing touch in French cognac casks, this expression encapsulates the essence of elegance, complexity, and sophistication. From its captivating aromas to its rich and multifaceted flavors, Glenfiddich 26 Years Old Grande Couronne is a celebration of the artistry and craftsmanship that define the world of single malt Scotch whisky. Indulge in this remarkable expression and experience the legacy of Glenfiddich in every sip.
Serge Valentin (89)
Always got to love those decimals in the alcohol degrees when the latter clearly are the result of a dilution/reduction, but let's stop nit-picking. This baby was finished for two years in cognac wood (they write 'French Cognac casks' – good one) and then packaged as if all the bottles were destined for the Palace of Versailles or for Neuschwanstein and/or Hohenschwangau. Or for the Trump Tower. Dieu Sauve le Roi! Colour: gold. Nose: we're not that far from the 15 Solera at very first nosing, but as expected, this one is soon to take off towards stewed peaches, acacia honey and sultanas, while keeping a good maltiness and a handful of honey-glazed roasted walnuts and peanuts. Tarte tatin is obvious two, both the ones made with apples and the ones made with quinces. My preferred. Mouth: I find it excellent, sweet and mellow, full of meadow honey, maple syrup, peach liqueur (very cognac) and with some unexpected touches of rum. Our tartes tatin are back too, together with very ripe bananas and papayas, plus a little crème brûlée and just brown sugar. Finish: medium, still sweet, honeyed and caramelised. Raisins and peaches in the aftertaste, as in a good cognac XO. Comments: Sinatra in your glass. Probably not a malt for indie Ben Nevis or 1970s Ardbeg-obsessed geeks, but personally, I really like it. And I know all my friends would love it, even those who don't like whisky at all. Especially the latter, actually.
