Glenfiddich is a distillery full of wonderful dualities. On one hand, its core range consists of relatively affordable and accessible age-stated whiskies that are satisfying but won’t be too aggressive on your wallet or palate. On the other hand, the distillery has a range of top-tier, ultra-aged, luxury single malt whiskies that are quite expensive, but generally worth the extra money if you can afford them.
The distillery’s Grand Series represents the pinnacle of its single malt range: a collection of whiskies aged over several decades and finished in a variety of casks, some of which are quite unusual.
The newest addition to the series, Grand Château is a 31-year-old single malt whisky that holds the distinction of being the first Glenfiddich whisky to be finished in red wine barrels from Bordeaux.
In fact, the Scotch whisky had more of a secondary maturation than just barrel maturation. It spent 22 years in American oak casks, followed by nine years in red wine casks, and that turned out not to be the plan, according to malt master Brian Kinsman.
“We put about 20 years of whiskey in these barrels, thinking we’d probably leave it there for about six months,” he said. “But something good was happening, so we left it there for nine years. Why rush it?”
It really is a great whisky. It deviates from the classic Glenfiddich palate, which is usually defined by notes of fresh pear and green apple. The flavor is densely tannic but not overpowering, with notes of dried and fresh fruit, dusty leather, cinnamon, coriander, tobacco, licorice, black pepper, and just a hint of menthol. It’s also an expensive bottle at $2,100. It’s worth it for those looking to complete their Grand Series or those who have the desire and means to purchase a well-aged single malt Scotch with a very effective cask finish.
Last year’s Grand Series release was also a highlight. Grand Yozakura was a 29-year-old whiskey that was initially matured in American oak and then finished in awamori barrels. Awamori is a rice spirit native to the Okinawa region of Japan. It is not usually matured in wood, which made these barrels even more unique.
Other Grand Series releases, including the Grand Château, have been finished in more traditionally used wine and cognac barrels to great effect.
Related: We Tasted Hundreds of Scotch Whiskies. These 16 Bottles Are the Best of 2024
