Glenfiddich has extended its Grand Series collection with a limited-edition single malt whisky, Grand Yozakura.
The 29-year-old whisky is making its travel retail debut at select airports across Europe and Asia this month, supported by a series of experiential activations.
Matured at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, Grand Yozakura is finished in oak casks that previously matured Awamori – the oldest distilled alcoholic spirit in Japan.
Awamori is made using long grain indica rice, and is traditionally stored in clay pots and matured in oak casks. Only a small proportion of Awamori is aged in oak casks, making them exceptionally rare.
Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman commented: “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. In the case of Awamori, we trialled a very small number of casks at a younger age first.”
Kinsman added: “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 complements the smooth Glenfiddich taste profile, elevating the finish and lifting the flavour to a new level and accentuating the mouthfeel characters and zingy herbal notes unlike any in the series – or anything I have tasted before,” said Kinsman.
The packaging of Grand Yozakura features a bespoke topper, a traditional poem printed onto each outer label, and a signature illustration created by Japanese artist June.
Glenfiddich Global Brand Director Claudia Falcone remarked: “The Grand Series underpins Glenfiddich’s spirit of innovation and Grand Yozakura is no exception. It is perhaps the most ground-breaking expression to sit alongside the series so far, whilst also being the first limited-edition release.
“Bringing together two scarce components accentuates the anticipation and sense of occasion, paying homage to the brand’s innovative nature when it comes to creating dynamic whiskies of the highest quality,” added Falcone.
The Grand Series collection also includes Glenfiddich Grand Cru, Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, Grande Couronne and Gran Cortes.
“We are pleased to once again be partnering with key retailers to showcase this latest addition to our pioneering Grand Series collection within travel retail – a vital channel for the luxury spirits business,” noted William Grant & Sons Head of Brand Marketing for Global Travel Retail Gwilym Cooke.
“In line with our commitment to innovate, this new whisky offers a unique taste experience and compelling story that will be hugely appealing to both new and established whisky drinkers.” ✈
