Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26 Year Old – The Tasting
In recent years, the Glenfiddich distillery has continued to surprise consumers with new product ranges that push back the boundaries to which we have become accustomed. One example is the “Experimental Series” (whose Winter Storm was produced using an ice wine from Peller Estates in Niagara), which, in my opinion, gives the distillery a modern edge. It has also sparked my curiosity to discover more about their various collections. Join me on a journey of discovery as I introduce you to a remarkable single malt Scotch whisky in this first The Scotchman Chronicle: Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26-Year-Old.
A “Grand Series” Scotch
The Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26 Year Old and its boxset
Today, I have the privilege of tasting the opulence of Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26 Year Old, from the Grand Series collection. This 26-year-old Scotch Whisky is matured in a blend of American and European oak barrels before being finished in French oak casks that once held cognac (as I discussed in my article on whisky aging in Gentologie Magazine Issue 13).
This spirit, with its captivating golden hue, resembles a VSOP. Its long, syrupy legs, which are unexpectedly thick given its 43.8% alcohol content, are immediately eye-catching.
The ex-cognac cask ageing is immediately noticeable on the nose, with its buttery, rich character and caramelized fruit. The aroma of ageing in ex-cognac casks, the buttery, fairly rich flavour and the caramelised fruit aspect are striking. You can also feel the woodiness of the oak, which lingers in the background. It’s almost as if you’re walking past Pierre Hermé’s house when he’s just brought out a batch of mouth-watering desserts!
On the palate, Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26 Year Old is very woody, with notes of brown sugar, candied fruit, honey and spices. The result is a fine balance that lingers on the palate like a dessert worthy of the best Parisian patisseries.
Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26 Year Old: A product for connoisseurs
This is certainly a very fine bottle developed with outstanding craftsmanship. Having said that, I would recommend it to a connoisseur because of the subtlety of its blend (and its price) because, to really appreciate it at its true value, it is preferable to have developed the subtleties of your palate at the risk of finding it too sweet!
Coming soon to SAQ
Available at the LCBO (Code 28123)
Join me soon on Gentologie for another article in “The Scotchman Chronicle.”
To find out more about Glenfiddich, follow this link.
