Especially lately, the master distillers and blenders of many Scottish whisky houses have adopted more experimental mantras. Traditional practices are still alive and well; however, when it comes to finishing the aging process, the integration of barrels from other fine libations has become a useful tool when striving for a unique flavour profile. Glenfiddich is no stranger to experimentation with its world-class whiskies, and the way they’ve approached the finishing of the latest addition to the Glenfiddich Grand Series highlights this expertise.
First, consider the process here. For most whisky finishing — the process of swapping the spirit into an alternate profile barrel, whether wine, sherry, or otherwise to alter its flavour profile — finishing times range from a few months to a few years depending on the intended goal. In the case of the Grand Château, the spirit spent nine of its 31 years of maturation undergoing a finishing period in wine barrels from Bordeaux to achieve the desired profile. “Bordeaux red wine casks are incredibly versatile sources of flavour and recognized widely for their outstanding quality, providing the perfect opportunity for experimentation to develop a profound spirit,” says Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master.
As is often said, big risks yield big rewards, and the finished product here is proof of it. The extended finishing period adds complex layers of new and unexpected flavours of rich, caramelized cherry and apple, intertwined with warming spice and toasted oak. It’s equal parts opulent and earthy, supported with both fruit and floral characteristics. This is not your average whisky, and those who are able to get their hands on one of the limited-edition bottles offered for sale globally will understand this well.
To suitably represent the artistry of the whisky craft, Glenfiddich opted to work with renowned Swedish-French graffiti artist André Saraiva on the design of the limited edition’s packaging, paying homage to Glenfiddich’s deep connection to the arts. His signature “Mr. A” character appears on the exterior, complemented by a vivid artistic reinterpretation of the distillery inside the packaging behind the bottle itself. Pairing this whimsical work from such talent with a rare and experimental whisky is a perfect fit, and reminds us that the rare whisky space doesn’t need to be constrained and conservatively packaged to be taken seriously. This is a serious spirit, meant to be enjoyed with a light heart and a smile.
Discover 31-year-old Grand Château by Glenfiddich online.
