Glenfiddich launches new 23 year old Grand Cru expression

One of the best known names in Scottish whisky has launched its latest expression, which marries the finest French and Scottish flavours to create a celebratory dram.

Glenfiddich Grand Cru is a 23 year old single malt, which has been aged in American and European oak casks before being finished in French oak cuvée wine casks for up to six months.

Bottled at 40% ABV, the whisky is presented in Glenfiddich's iconic shaped bottled and comes housed in a rotating black and gold box. Travellers can also pick up a bottle (43% ABV) at selected airports.

Grand Cru is the only Glenfiddich Single Malt whisky to undergo this finishing in French cuvée casks, which once contained the liquid that goes on to become some of the world’s most celebrated sparkling wines.

 

Created to celebrate an occasion, as is common with drinking sparkling wine or whisky, Glenfiddich malt master, Brian Kinsman, commented: "Breaking category conventions once more, this unusual collaboration presented an exciting opportunity to create a spirit that further elevated our unique Glenfiddich style.

"We experimented with the maturation time and hand selected the right balance of 23 year old Glenfiddich casks out of our unique collection of old age malts.

"The further influence from the oak of the French cuvée casks added an extra layer of complexity thanks to the liquid they once held. Marrying the best of both worlds, the final liquid presents an exceptional finesse and is a special tribute to each individual cuvée cask the malts were finished in."

The 59 Scottish fish and chip shops judged the best in the country in national awards

Global Glenfiddich brand ambassador, Struan Grant Ralph, said: "This new whisky exemplifies the brand’s passion for pushing Scotch whisky boundaries, looking beyond the world of whisky to create exquisitely flavoured liquids.

"Our aim was to create a fresh, new drinking moment for Glenfiddich and for the wider whisky category, by crafting an expression that plays on the liquid synonymous with celebration but that brings the substance and smoothness of Single Malt to the moment.

"The result is Grand Cru – a liquid that bears the hallmark of quality and innovation associated with the brand and is a true testament to our innate maverick spirit."

Glenfiddich Grand Cru

Picture: Till Britz

 

Ifan Jenkins, UK marketing director, added: "The launch of Grand Cru signifies a pivotal moment in Glenfiddich’s brand history and one we’re extremely proud of.

Our 5 favourite autumn whisky releases - including seasonal dram from ‘innovative and imaginative’ west coast distillery

"With this extraordinary new liquid, we continue to push the boundaries in the whisky category and create new drinking experiences. Our ambition is to re-write the rules of whisky in the luxury sector by tapping into celebratory occasions in a new and meaningful way."

Launched today, 3 September, in Scotland, Singapore, Canada and America, it will be available exclusively in Harrods and online here with a RRP of £220.

This expression is part of a new set of 'grand releases', with further launches to be unveiled in 2020.

Tasting notes

 

On the nose there is apple blossom, freshly baked bread and candied lemon, whereas the taste has layers of rich vanilla oak, sweet brioche, sandalwood, pear sorbet and white grape. The finish is long, sweet and smooth.

The Glenlivet unveils 55 year old whisky to celebrate 200 year anniversary - here's how to buy
Location:none
Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
Copyright ©2024 National World Publishing Ltd
Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram