Willian Grant & Sons, has today announced the launch of the
latest bottling from its Glenfiddich Grand Series.
Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura (45.1% ABV) is a 29 Year Old
single malt Scotch whisky, which was initially matured in American and European oak
barrels, before being finished in rare Japanese Awamori casks.
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| Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura |
Made using long grain indica rice, Awamori is the oldest distilled alcoholic drink in Japan. Produced in Okinawa, a 100km-long string of islands to the far south of Japan, it has its own geographical identity and regional character.
This latest release from the Speyside based distillery, which
is the first Scotch whisky to be finished in Awamori casks, celebrates Hanami –
the renowned “cherry blossom festival”, where Japan celebrates the temporal
beauty of nature through the sakura. A time for renewal and optimism, the
festival is best experienced illuminated after dark, where it is known as the
Yozakura or ‘night sakura’.
Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura, is said to deliver notes of zesty,
ripe fruits, caramelised almonds, rich oak and a distinctive herbal zing on the
nose. Followed by notes of toasted oak, creamy vanilla toffee, silky tannins, spice,
sherbet lemons, crunchy green apple and warming earthy tones on the palate.
Commenting on the launch, Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt
Master, said: “We are always looking to experiment with new finishes so when
the chance arose to acquire rare ex-Awamori casks we saw an opportunity to push
the boundaries and experiment with this highly unusual spirit. This is the
first time that Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been finished in these rare
casks. We always learn something new when we lead with innovation so taking a
risk is worth it, and in the case of Awamori we trialled a very small number of
casks at a younger age first.”
Brian went onto say: “Awamori is much like whisky, with a
diverse range of flavours. Since embarking on this fusion, it’s been
fascinating to focus on the oak and how it has been changed and adapted by
contact with another spirit. The six month finish in ex-Awamori Casks
compliments the smooth Glenfiddich taste profile, elevating the finish and
lifting the flavour to a new level, accentuating the mouthfeel characters and
zingy herbal notes unlike any in the series, or anything I have tasted before.”
Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura, will be available later this
month from global travel retail outlets, for a RRP of £1,500.
Posted by Steve Rush