Glen Alba 34 Years Old (40%, Lidl, 2015)

• Category: Blended scotch whisky
• Origin: Distilleries unknown
• Bottling: Clydesdale Scotch Whisky Co for Lidl
• ABV: 40%
• Cost: £49.99 from Lidl

What they say

Distilled in 1981. Glen Alba Blended Scotch Whisky, Product of Scotland. Aged 34 Years, Sherry Cask Finish. A whisky of rare distinction, crafted from a blend of only the finest 34 year old malt and grain whiskies. Then finished in carefully selected sherry casks.

Batch JM/012, Lot No 0862B

Official tasting notes:

• Colour: Deep mahogany gold with glittering copper highlights
• Nose: Warm and inviting. Enticing aromas of baked apples, citrus fruits, marzipan and moist gingerbread flaunt themselves in an intoxicating infusion of unashamed luxury. Silky smooth and flawless, the hand of time has nurtured this noble spirit to perfection. Gentle whispers of old Oxford marmalade, aged oloroso sherry, soft chewy liquorice and sweet mangoes complete this complex tapestry of delight.
• Taste: Give this aged icon all the reverence it richly deserves by holding it long in the mouth. Immediately these hidden treasures are unlocked; caramelised pear, bitter chocolate, crushed almonds and freshly ground coffee enrich the tongue. However, this is quickly replaced by a vanilla sweetness, maple syrup, Bakewell tart and dark treacle. Pure harmony prevails. A kiss of cinnamon, Madeira cake and ripe black cherries bring this masterpiece to a close.

Truly an aged icon never to be forgotten!

What I say

As soon as these were announced I was determined to secure myself the pick of the Lidl festive whiskies on offer. In the end I opted for both Ben Bracken single malts; 22 Year Old Islay and 28 Year Old Speyside and the Glen Alba 34 Year old blend.

My tasting notes:

• Appearance: Perfect clarity Ruby (15/20), oily medium legs thin with time
• Nose: Treacle, molasses, trace hints of soft rubber and struck matches, rich and moist and booze-filled fruitcake or Christmas cake, raisins, sultana, prunes, black cherries, masses of toffee and treacle toffee, parkin cake, rich gingerbread, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, nutty; walnut, hazelnut and brazil nuts enveloped in rich dark chocolate and maple syrup
• Taste: Fruit & Nut chocolate, slightly buttery and oily in texture, rich fruit cake, raisin, cherry, molasses, treacle, coffee grounds, walnut, toffee-coated popcorn, slightly charred oak wood, rye bread and gingerbread, orange liqueur and marmalade, toffee, slated caramel, more pure milk chocolate, with a hint of after-dinner mints or eucalyptus oil
• Finish: Long, spiced, burnt treacle toffee and chocolate coated almonds

Overall

I really love the authentic chocolate-y taste to this one, and I mean the good stuff to, artisanal almost rather than your regular by-the-cash-register candy! Drop in some mixed fruit and nuts, mull it all in Christmas spices and you’re getting close. This is an extremely well-crafted blend which has definitely benefited from its sherry-finishing. Perhaps my favourite blend of the year?

Score 85/100

Don’t take my word for it: