Glenfiddich Turns To Cognac Cask Finishing For Its Latest Premium Single Malt

Scotland’s Glenfiddich distillery has a long and noble history, with the first spirit emerging from its stills back in 1887. They produce a good number of expressions, with one of these being their more premium Grand Series (previous bottlings have included Grand Cru, finished in French cuvée oak casks,  and Gran Reserva, finished in Caribbean rum casks). It is for this line up a new expression has been announced, being graced for a period by former Cognac casks.

The new Glenfiddich Grande Couronne, according to those behind it, is a 26 year old Scotch single malt whisky that was initially matured in American and European oak casks in the distillery warehouses in Dufftown, Scotland. From there it was finished for up to two years further in what’s described as “meticulously sourced French Cognac casks” before being bottled at 43.8% ABV.

“The Grand Series perfectly encapsulates Glenfiddich’s spirit of innovation and our ability to experiment with aged liquid and intriguing finishes,” said Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, in a prepared statement. “Grande Couronne is the latest to exemplify that approach. It is the only Glenfiddich single malt that has matured in American and European oak casks and finished in rare French Cognac casks.

“The length of the finish, two years, is highly unusual and adds extra layers of sweet toasted oak and velvety aromas of café crème, brown sugar and soft spice.”

This whisky’s bottle and packaging are notably “adorned with an ornamental gold filigree, whilst exquisite artwork reminiscent of great renaissance paintings are revealed inside the box.” It is pricing at what looks to be £450, or around $620 USD. You’ll find official tasting notes below.

• Color: Antique gold.
• Nose: Vibrant and lively with an abundance of toasty oak sweetness. Reminiscent of a French pâtisserie, freshly-baked Tarte Tatin and buttery choux pastry.
• Taste: Deep, velvety smooth and indulgently sweet. Café crème with soft brown sugar and a hint of spice.
• Finish: Very long-lasting sweet oak.