Glenfiddich 2023 23 Year Old Rude Olph - VAME Malts
Rich, Dried Fruits2025-03-13

Smell
The first impression? Sherry all the way! A pleasant aroma of dates and plums immediately hits the nose - ripe, dark fruit that makes you want more. This is accompanied by honey and a malty sweetness that is wonderfully balanced. After a few moments in the glass, vanilla, raspberries and even a hint of pumpkin reveal themselves. A slightly vinous touch rounds off the bouquet and adds complexity.
Taste
The first sip makes it clear that the ‘Rude Olph’ remains true to its flavour. Pumpkin and a pleasantly sweet fruitiness dominate the opening, accompanied by a hint of sultanas and biscuits. This combination feels almost cosy, like an autumn day by the fireplace. Malt also plays a key role and adds a lovely, sweet and warm note. The whisky is very mild and accessible - perfect for beginners, but experienced connoisseurs will also appreciate the harmonious balance.
Finish
Here, the whisky shows yet another facet: the finish is warming, slightly oaky and ends with a surprising note of burnt toast. This nuance gives the whole thing a little character without being too overpowering.
Thoughts
If you are looking for an easy-drinking whisky for cosy evenings, you can't go wrong here. The sherry influences, the autumnal fruitiness and the pleasant finish make it a solid companion. If you had to summarise this whisky in one word, it would probably be ‘pleasant’. It is mild, sweet and round - a real crowd pleaser that won't overwhelm anyone. However, it lacks that certain something that makes a whisky truly unforgettable.
The best food pairing would be a warming pumpkin pie with a light vanilla cream. The sweet fruitiness and subtle pumpkin notes of the whisky harmonise perfectly with the spicy, autumnal flavours of the pie (e.g. cinnamon, nutmeg) and emphasise the gentle balance of the whisky. The vanilla cream also picks up on the creamy, vanilla flavours from the aroma and rounds off the pairing.
Rating: 85/100 - Excellent (Marcel: 84 | Sascha: 85)
Value for Money: 4/5 - Good
Further Information
Bottling Series: Rude OlphCask Type: Amarone Finish
Bottled for: WTF 2023 + Village 2024