Glenalba 25 Years Madeira Finish
If you think Lidl is just for the weekly shop, then you haven't tried the Glenalba 25 Year Madeira Finish. This whisky is like a well-aged leather book: full of stories that are yet to be discovered.
Tasting Notes
Nose
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.
Palate
In the mouth, the Glenalba 25 years 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
Marcel 75/100
The Glenalba 25 Year Madeira Finish is a real mood booster for the living room – sweet, with a touch of leather and dark chocolate that’s just plain fun. Sure, it feels a bit thin in places, but hey, considering the price and availability, that’s almost forgivable. Absolutely recommend it for a relaxed evening with friends!
Sascha 77/100
With a balanced interplay of sweet fruitiness and subtle oak notes, the Glenalba 25 Year Madeira Finish shows a solid structure, though it somewhat lacks depth. The finish is medium-length and harmonious, even if the complexity doesn’t quite keep pace with its age. Overall, a good whisky with potential that scores well on an attractive price-performance ratio.
Value for Money: Good
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What does "Madeira Finish" mean for the Glenalba 25 Year whisky?
"Madeira Finish" means that after the main maturation in traditional casks, the whisky was aged for a period in casks that previously held Madeira wine. This imparts fruity, wine-like notes and a distinctive complexity to the whisky.
How does the 25-year age affect the taste of the Glenalba whisky?
The 25 years of maturation provide pronounced depth and complexity. The whisky develops rich aromas such as leather, dark berries, and nutty nuances, while the wood tones are well integrated thanks to the long cask aging.
Is the Glenalba 25 Year Madeira Finish a single malt or a blend?
The Glenalba 25 Year Madeira Finish is a single malt whisky, meaning it comes from a single distillery and is made exclusively from malted barley.