Glenfiddich releases Scotch finished in Japanese spirit casks

Glenfiddich has released Grand Yozakura, a limited edition single malt Scotch which “pays homage to Japanese culture”, as part of its grand series of whiskies.

The 29-year old single malt is finished in rare ex-Awamori casks, and is intended as a limited-edition fusion “celebrating the finest flavours from Scotland and Japan”, according to the William Grant & Sons-owned distillery.

It is matured at the company’s distillery in Dufftown, and finished in oak casks which have previously matured the oldest alcoholic spirit in Japan, Awamori. Glenfiddich says the end result is a “finish unlike any other” and is in-line with the other experimental and innovative single malts that make up the firm’s grand series.

Awamori is made using long grain indica rice and traditionally stored in clay pots and matured in oak casks, with claims the technique for making the spirit has not been altered in more than 500 years. Only a small proportion of Awamori is aged in oak casks, which makes them exceptionally rare, the distillery said.

Grande Yozakura also celebrates Hanami – the “cherry blossom festival” – where Japan appreciates the trees at night in what is known as the Yozakura or ‘night sakura’.

The packaging of the whisky was created by Japanese artist June who creates visions incorporating Japanese culture and landscapes, and includes a bespoke topper and traditional poem.

Glenfiddich malt master, Brian Kinsman, said the distillery was “always looking to experiment with new finishes” and when it had the chance to acquire the ex-Awamori casks, it saw an opportunity.

He said: “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.”

Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich global brand director, added that the grand series underpins Glenfiddich’s “spirit of innovation”.

She said: “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.”

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