Speyside and Bordeaux converge as Glenfiddich Grand Château expression is unveiled

William Grant & Sons-owned Glenfiddich has unveiled Grand Château, the latest expression in its limited-edition Grand Series.

Glenfiddich Grand Château is a 31 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, notable for being the distiller’s first release to use red wine casks from Bordeaux.

To create a fresh fusion of flavour, the liquid was first matured in American oak before being finished for nine years in the casks from the famed French wine-growing region.

The limited-edition whisky is being released as part of The Glenfiddich Grand Series, an ongoing collection that celebrates the unexpected collision between single malt and cultures from around the world. This whisky tells the tale of two worlds, drawing inspiration and character from both, to create one exceptional liquid, the brand owner said.

Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman commented: “Bordeaux red wine casks are incredibly versatile sources of flavour and recognised widely for their outstanding quality, providing the perfect opportunity for experimentation to develop a profound spirit.

“Nine years spent cocooned in these extraordinary Bordeaux red wine casks results in an exceptionally vibrant liquid which intensifies Glenfiddich’s classic fruity character balanced unusually with notes of deep oak and warming vanilla.

“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 collectable bottling.”

Glenfiddich Global Brand Director Claudia Falcone said: “The addition of Grand Château to The Glenfiddich portfolio, experimenting with flavour combinations and an extended finishing period, establishes our position as a brand that continues to push the boundaries of whisky making. Grand Château allows us to explore the collision of different cultures, whilst taking luxury to new heights.”

Grand Château’s display boxes pay homage to Glenfiddich’s deep connection to the arts. Along with designing the vibrant interior packaging, French street artist André Saraiva has created ‘The Artist’s Edition’ through ‘disrupting’ 250 of the traditional Toile de Jouy display boxes by using them as a canvas to add his playful interpretation of the spirit and its story. Just 24 are available in global travel retail from October.

The limited-edition display boxes feature Saraiva’s signature ‘Mr. A’ character – a figure that has travelled the world from the streets of Paris to New York, Shenzhen, London and Seoul. Within the design Mr. A can be seen playfully selecting the extended Bordeaux red wine cask-finished whisky at Glenfiddich Distillery. ​

Saraiva commented: “When Glenfiddich asked me (and Mr. A) to work with them it felt like a perfect match. I am a lover of whisky and the connection to France with this bespoke liquid allowed for a huge amount of creativity.

“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful land of Scotland where I was able to truly experience the history and heritage, the people, the inspiring surroundings and taste Glenfiddich. These unique adventures are reflected in my drawings and art for my collaboration with Glenfiddich.”

Grand Château is the latest addition to the Grand series which also includes:

• • Grand Yozakura: A limited-edition 29 Year Old whisky, the first single malt Scotch whisky to be finished in rare ex-Awamori casks
  • Grande Couronne: A 26 Year Old Scotch Whisky matured in American and European oak casks and finished for up to two years in Cognac casks
  • Grand Cru: Aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks and then finessed in French Cuvée oak casks
  • Gran Cortes: Aged for 22 years in traditional sherry oak before finishing in rare Palo Cortado Sherry casks, only available in Asia
  • Gran Reserva: Mellowed for 21 years in European and American Oak casks before a final flourish in Caribbean rum casks.