Glenfiddich 23 Years (2023) Rude Olph - VAME Malts
The Scottish Glenfiddich distillery is one of the best-known names in the whisky world, but this bottling is something special: a 23-years drop, bottled by VAME Malts. The ‘Rude Olph’ promises a combination of tradition and a breath of fresh air. Will it live up to this promise? Let's find out!
The panel
Mean 84.5 · spread 1
Value for money 4/5
- Distillery
- Glenfiddich
- Bottler
- VAME Malts
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Speyside
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 23 years
- Strength
- 47.2% ABV
- Character
- rich
Tasting
Nose
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.
Palate
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.
Verdicts
Marcel
A whisky that scores primarily with its cozy, autumnal fruitiness and leaves you wanting more – perfect for relaxed evenings by the fireplace. Its gentle character and sweet sherry notes make it an accessible pleasure, even if it lacks that certain something for a true wow moment. Overall, a pleasant companion that charmingly surprises with its warm finish and subtle toasted bread note.
Sascha
This 23-years bottling strikes a successful balance between sweet sherry aromas and a well-integrated malty structure that supports its complex flavor profile. The warming, lightly oaky finish with an unusual toasted bread note gives the whisky an interesting yet understated depth of character. Despite its mild approachability, the Glenfiddich Rude Olph manages to present a harmonious and thoughtfully crafted composition that appeals to seasoned connoisseurs.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Glenfiddich as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £155 across 668 lots · 2024-08