Glenalba 25 Year Old Madeira Finish
Rich, Dried Fruits2024-09-13
Smell
It is clear from the first sniff that this whisky has a lot to offer. The nose is greeted by a bouquet of sweet sultanas and a vinous note reminiscent of a well-aged port wine. A slight leatheriness resonates - as if you had just tracked down an old Chesterfield armchair. Dark berries dance alongside, bringing with them an underlying acidity that balances the whisky wonderfully. A hint of chocolate and coffee grounds mingle, accompanied by a nutty flavour reminiscent of roasted nuts. Almost dusty, with a hint of grain.
Taste
In the mouth, the Glenalba 25 year old unfolds in all its splendour. Grape must and juicy cherries dominate the first impression, followed by a seductive combination of grape-nut-chocolate and rum-chocolate. It's like sinking into a cosy leather sofa - soft yet with structure. The beautiful oak adds a pleasant woodiness to the whole.
Finish
The finish is of medium length. The subtle oak notes linger on the tongue for a while, while coffee chocolate and a hint of nutmeg round off the flavour profile. This demonstrates the true art of distillation - not too overpowering, but not too restrained either.
Thoughts
The Glenalba 25 Year Old Madeira Finish is a perfect example of the balance between sweetness and slight bitterness. The key data are impressive: 25 years old, a finish in Madeira casks and an alcohol content of 41.40 % - it all sounds like a top whisky. However, as is so often the case, a noble exterior can be a little deceptive. Despite all its sophistication and depth, the whisky seems a little thin. But let's be honest - for a whisky that's available from Lidl, that's really ‘pretty nice’. And let's be honest: there are worse ways to spend an evening than with a glass of Glenalba in your hand.