Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky has released Grand Château, a 31-year-old single malt Scotch and the first expression by the distillery finished in Bordeaux red wine casks.
The latest addition to the Grand Series matured in American oak casks for 22 years before finishing for 9 years in Bordeaux red wine casks from the French wine-growing region.
“Bordeaux red wine casks are incredibly versatile sources of flavor and widely recognized for their outstanding quality, providing the perfect opportunity for experimentation to develop a profound spirit,” says Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich malt master. “Nine years spent cocooned in Bordeaux red wine casks results in an exceptionally vibrant liquid. Although wine is becoming an increasingly popular choice for maturation within the single malt category, it remains relatively rare to see whiskies finished in a Bordeaux red wine cask, making this an incredibly intriguing and highly collectible release.”
Grand Château notably has a nine-year finish, surpassing the average maturation process. The result is a nose of vanilla and fruity, floral aromas of cassis berries, complemented by piquant nutty aromas, according to distillery notes. On the palate is caramelized cherries and apples combined with warming spice and notes of toasted oak.
To celebrate the union of these two cultures and honor Glenfiddich’s connection to the arts, the brand has partnered with French artist André Saraiva to create two limited-edition packages for Grand Château. The first design features a watercolor print on the inside of the Grand Château box. The second design will see a smaller release with only 24 arriving in the U.S. Classified as “The Artist Edition,” it features the traditional Toile de Jouy print with Saraiva’s signature motifs and style on the front of the box.
“Glenfiddich Grand Château is a stunning addition to our Grand Series, as the Bordeaux casks intensify the liquid’s classic character with notes of deep oak and vanilla,” says Lorne Cousin, U.S. national ambassador for Glenfiddich. “This new expression further emphasizes our dedication to pushing the boundaries to create highly dynamic and unique spirits, while also bringing the rich history of Speyside and Bordeaux together in an unusual way.”
Grand Château is the second limited edition release from the Grand Series collection, joining Grand Yozakura, a limited-edition 29-year-old Scotch whisky launched last year, finished in ex-Awamori casks. Permanent expressions within the series include Grande Couronne, a 26-year-old Scotch whisky matured in American and European oak casks finished for up to two years in sourced French Cognac casks; Grand Cru, aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks and then finished in French Cuvée oak casks; and Gran Reserva, matured for 21 years in American Oak ex-Bourbon barrels and European Oak Oloroso Sherry casks before finished for up to four months in casks soaked with a custom blend of Golden rum.
Glenfiddich Grand Château will be available for a limited time at whisky retail outlets in the U.S. for a suggested price of $2,100 per 750-ml. bottle.
This follows the launch of Glenfiddich Sherry Cask Finish 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky.
