Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Year Old

Distillery Background and History

Established in Dufftown, Speyside in 1886 by William Grant, Glenfiddich remains a family-owned distillery under William Grant & Sons. It pioneered global single malt marketing in the 1960s and retains full-house craftsmanship, including in-house cooperage and coppersmiths. The 23‑year Grand Cru is part of the exclusive Grand Series, crafted for celebratory occasions.

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Renowned Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE laid the foundation for Glenfiddich’s signature craft; today’s team continues the tradition of small-batch curation. Grand Cru showcases their penchant for innovation by French Grand Cru (champagne-style) oak finishing—an audacious marriage of Speyside base spirit with celebratory flair.

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Made from 100% malted barley, sourced from local growers and estate-inspired farms. The distillery uses Robbie Dhu spring water and traditional yeast strains to deliver a clean, fruit-forward Speyside profile.

Distillation Process

Distilled in handcrafted copper pot stills (16 wash and 27 spirit stills) maintained on-site. The spirit undergoes slow, small-batch distillation without peat influence to preserve delicate sweet and floral esters.

Maturation & Cask Information

Aged for 23 years primarily in American and European oak casks, then finished for approximately six months in French cuvée (Grand Cru) wine casks sourced from champagne producers. This finishing adds layers of brioche, fruit sweetness, and refined oak spice.

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep golden amber.

Nose: Apple blossom, candied lemon, freshly baked brioche, pear sorbet, white grape, sandalwood. Floral and fruit-forward with pastry sweetness.

Palate: Silky, deceptively full-bodied at 40% ABV. Vanilla oak, sweet brioche, spiced pear, toffee, white grapefruit/melon, subtle grassiness, toasted marshmallow.

Finish: Long and opulent; rich vanilla, residual fruit‑cake sweetness, brioche echo, bright oak, lingering spice. Refreshing elegance despite low proof.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Ideal with buttery pastries, fruit tarts (pear, apple), honey-glazed nuts, mild cheeses (Comté, aged Brie), and citrus-based desserts. It makes an elegant post-dinner dram.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water in a Glencairn or tulip glass at ~15–18 °C. Gentle swirling helps release fragrances. Ice is not advised to preserve delicacy and aroma clarity.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. At 23 years maturity, the liquid is fully developed—bottle-aging adds minimal complexity. Enjoy within a few years once opened for best aromatics.

Grain Type & Mash Bill (if applicable)

Single malt Scotch whisky—100% malted barley; unpeated. Finished in French cuvée wine casks.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

40% ABV (80 proof).