The Marvel of the New Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky
On the one hand, Glenfiddich offers affordable age-statement whiskies. On the other hand, there are high-end, ultra-aged, luxury single malts that cost a pretty penny but can be well worth it.
Among the distillery’s single malt offerings, the Grand Series represents the pinnacle. It’s a collection of whiskies aged for decades in various types of casks, some of which are quite rare.
A new release in the series of Glenfiddich whiskies, Grand Château, is a 31-year-old single malt. The spirit boasts the distinction of the first Glenfiddich to be finished in Bordeaux red wine barrels.
According to Malt Master Brian Kinsman, the Scotch whisky underwent more than a cask maturation. It spent nine years aging in red wine barrels after 22 years in American oak barrels.
The Marvel of the New Glenfiddich Single Malt Whisky
“We put some whisky around 20 years old in these casks, probably thinking we’d leave it in for six months or so,” he said. “But something nice was happening, so we ended up leaving it for nine years. Why rush?”
It’s a great whisky. It departs from the iconic Glenfiddich palate with its notes of fresh pear and green apple. The flavor is intensely tannic with notes of dusty leather, dried and fresh berries, cinnamon, coriander, tobacco, licorice, pepper, and even some menthol.
It’s also a pricey bottle, with a $2,100 price tag. For those looking to complete their Grand Series or for those with money to spend on a well-aged single malt Scotch with a cask finish that is truly impressive, it’s worth it.
Similarly, last year’s Grand Series release stood out. The 29-year-old whisky Grand Yozakura aged in American oak barrels and finished in Japanese awamori barrels. The awamori is a spirit made from rice indigenous to Okinawa, making the barrels all the more special.
Many other Grand Series releases, including Grand Château, were finished in more traditional wine and cognac casks.
