Description

Glenfiddich Gran Cortes XXII Aged 22 Years Rare Sherry Cask Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 44.3%            Age: 22 Years Old           Country: Scotland

The Whisky

Experience a stunning fusion of Speyside heritage and Spanish opulence with the Glenfiddich Gran Cortes XXII (22 Year Old). Part of the prestigious Grand Series, this 700ml expression is a tribute to the “Great Courts” of Spain. After maturing for over two decades in traditional European oak, the liquid underwent a distinctive finishing period in rare Palo Cortado Sherry casks—a mysterious and highly sought after sherry variety that occurs only by chance in the bodega.

Presented at 44.3% ABV, the Gran Cortes XXII was originally released as a luxury exclusive for the Asian market, but it has since become a global icon for collectors. Palo Cortado is known for having the aromatic refinement of an Amontillado combined with the structure and body of an Oloroso. This “best of both worlds” cask imparts a deep, mahogany hue and a level of complexity that elevates the classic Glenfiddich orchard-fruit DNA into something truly regal.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: Deep, rich, and intensely aromatic. You are greeted by a luxurious wave of sultanas and dark dates, followed by the sophisticated scent of toasted almonds and roasted coffee beans. As it breathes, a characteristic Palo Cortado note of polished oak and citrus peel emerges, rounded out by a hint of sweet tobacco.

Palate: The mouthfeel is incredibly silky and multi-layered. It opens with the signature Glenfiddich red apple and pear, but these are quickly enveloped by a decadent “Christmas in a glass” profile: dark chocolate-covered ginger, cloves, and rich fruitcake. The mid-palate reveals a dry, nutty complexity—think walnut shells and salted caramel—that provides a perfect counterpoint to the underlying honeyed sweetness.

Finish: Long, warming, and exceptionally elegant. The finish lingers with sweet oak spice and fruit peels, finally tapering off with a final, refined flourish of raisins and a touch of dry sherry tannin.

The Distillery

Glenfiddich, located in Dufftown, is the world’s most awarded single malt distillery and has remained family owned by William Grant & Sons since 1887. While they are masters of scale, the Grand Series allows them to flex their creative muscles with rare wood types. A unique factual detail: Palo Cortado casks are so rare because the wine begins its life as a Fino or Amontillado but “mysteriously” loses its protective layer of flor, leading to unintended oxidation. By capturing these rare casks for the Gran Cortes XXII, Glenfiddich has created a whisky that is as unpredictable and rare as the sherry itself.

Overall Review

The Glenfiddich 22 Year Old Gran Cortes XXII is globally reviewed as a “masterpiece of finishing,” praised for its rich, vinous depth and flawless integration. Critics have lauded its “luxurious and festive personality,” marking it as a mandatory purchase for those who appreciate high age Speyside malts with a sophisticated, dry sherry twist.