If you’re a passionate alcohol connoisseur always on the hunt for extraordinary experiences, prepare your taste buds for a unique and limited-edition delight. Glenfiddich, renowned for pushing boundaries and exploring innovative finishes, has unveiled its latest creation within the esteemed Grand Series: Grand Yozakura. This exceptional 29-Year-Old Whisky pays homage to both Scotland and Japan, merging the finest flavors from these distinct cultures.
Picture this: the first Single Malt Scotch Whisky ever to be finished in rare ex-Awamori casks. Awamori, the oldest distilled alcoholic spirit in Japan, imparts a remarkable finish like no other. The Grand Series, famous for its innovative and experimental cask finishing, welcomes this limited-edition fusion that promises to captivate the senses.
Awamori, crafted using long grain indica rice, undergoes traditional storage in clay pots and matures in oak casks. It’s said that this spirit’s making has remained unchanged for over half a millennium, a testament to its exceptional craftsmanship. Only a small portion of Awamori is aged in oak casks, making them exceptionally rare. In the spirit of celebration, Grand Yozakura honors Hanami, the cherished “cherry blossom festival,” during which Japan revels in the ephemeral beauty of nature through the sakura. This whiskey is best experienced during the Yozakura, or ‘night sakura,’ when the cherry blossoms are illuminated after dark. It’s a fleeting moment that embodies the essence of nature’s reverence, and this marriage of rare liquids offers a transient chance to savor a beautiful collision of cultures and flavors.
Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich’s esteemed Malt Master, commented on this groundbreaking creation: “We are always keen to experiment with new finishes, so when the opportunity arose to acquire these rare ex-Awamori casks, we saw a chance 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. Taking risks often leads to valuable discoveries, and in the case of Awamori, we initially trialed a small number of casks at a younger age.”
Much like whisky, Awamori boasts a diverse range of flavors. Since embarking on this unique fusion, Glenfiddich has been captivated by the interplay between the oak and the influence of another spirit. The six-month finish in ex-Awamori casks perfectly complements the smooth Glenfiddich taste profile, elevating the finish and introducing a new level of flavor. Expect a tantalizing array of mouthfeel characters and zingy herbal notes that you won’t find in any other expression or any spirit you’ve tasted before.
Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich’s Global Brand Director, proudly stated, “The Grand Series exemplifies Glenfiddich’s spirit of innovation, and Grand Yozakura is the epitome of this ethos. It stands as the most ground-breaking expression to join the series thus far and marks the first limited edition release. By bringing together these two rare components, we enhance the anticipation and create a sense of occasion, paying tribute to the brand’s unwavering commitment to crafting dynamic whiskies of the highest quality.”
The packaging of Grand Yozakura brings this magnificent blend of cultures to life through the work of Japanese artist June. June’s signature illustration vividly captures the essence of Japanese culture and landscapes, ensuring a visually striking experience. Each specially designed outer showcases a bespoke topper and a traditional poem, adding an extra layer of exclusivity.
For those fortunate enough to traverse the halls of Singapore’s Changi airport, you’ll be the first in the Asia-Pacific region to witness the activation and launch of Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura. Immerse yourself in an interactive brand experience using an Oculus VR headset, further enriching your journey into this remarkable whiskey. Glenfiddich Grand Yozakura carries a recommended retail price of SGD$2,430.00, making it an exceptional investment for the discerning whiskey aficionado.
Grand Yozakura gracefully joins the esteemed Grand Series, which features a distinguished lineup of whiskies. There’s Glenfiddich Grand Cru, aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks before being finessed in French Cuvée oak casks. Then there’s Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, patiently mellowed for 21 years in European and American Oak casks before receiving a final flourish in Caribbean Rum casks. Let’s not forget about Grande Couronne, a 26-year-old Scotch Whisky matured in American and European oak casks, ultimately finished for up to two years in meticulously sourced French Cognac casks. Last but not least, Gran Cortes, an exquisite Glenfiddich whisky aged for 22 years in traditional Sherry oak before undergoing a finishing touch in exceptionally rare Palo Cortado Sherry casks.
Glenfiddich, proud bearer of the title “The World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky,” continues to astonish and captivate enthusiasts worldwide. With Grand Yozakura, they invite you to embark on a journey that defies expectations, celebrates culture, and unites unparalleled flavors. Embrace this extraordinary collision of Scotland and Japan, for once this elixir is gone, its magic can never be replicated.
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