Glenfiddich is the oldest family-owned distillery in the world. Unafraid to try new techniques, the distillery has been rewarded with producing fine scotch whisky year in year out.
The History Behind Glenfiddich
The distillery founder William Grant laid the first foundations way back in 1886 using rocks he quarried from the bed of the Fiddich River. Since production began one year later, the process hasn’t changed. William’s unusually shaped stills and high cut point technique are still used today.
Located in the valley of the Deer, the pure sparkling water is available year-round from the Robbie Dhu spring after flowing through peat and over Scottish granite, while local fields have a plentiful supply of barley. Today’s malt master still keeps the batch sizes small for complete control over the aroma and taste.
In Australia, not everyone is clued on to the pronunciation of the name. If you’re one of them, it’s said Glen-fiddick (lose the ‘ch’ sound as you do in the word ‘loch’). But if you don’t want to take our word for it, you can hear the chairman of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Pip Hills, pronouncing most whisky brand names in a tiny sound bite. Check it out.
If you are lucky enough to make a trip to the Glenfiddich Distillery, their stunning Malt Barn Bar has a selection of 12 to 50-year-old single malts, vintage reserves and rare whiskies available for tasting. But, let’s take a look at what Glenfiddich has to offer the discerning scotch whisky drinker without leaving the country:
Your Guide to the Most Popular Single Malt Scotch Whiskeys from Glenfiddich:
12 Year Old Single Malt
With the honour of being the world’s most awarded single malt, this Scotch Whisky has been matured in the finest American oak and European oak sherry casks. It has a distinct fruit flavour from the high cut point and uses the same Highland spring water that Glenfiddich has been using since 1887. The long smooth, mellow flavour is an example of Glenfiddich’s unique Speyside style. We stock the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old in our online bottle shop if you want to give it a try.
15 Year Old Solera Single Malt
Tasting Notes: Honey, rich fruit and spice flavours are evident from being aged in European oak sherry casks and new oak casks followed by a Solera Vat, a large oak tun. The Vat has remained half full of whisky since 1998. The taste includes layers of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon and ginger. The complex aroma is vanilla fudge combined with rich dark fruits. Known as the first 15 Year Old to appear in the top ten best selling single malt list, you can buy a bottle of the Glenfiddich 15 Year Old in our online store.
18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Tasting Notes: Beautiful baked apple and cinnamon flavours with a robust oak expression. All batches are numbered and individually watched for 18 years, matured in fine Oloroso wood from Spain and American oak. The rich taste includes luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and dates, overlaid with elegant oak notes. A warm, distinguished finish to be enjoyed by lovers of fine scotch. You can buy a bottle of the Glenfiddich 18 Year Old in our online bottle shop.
21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Rich and ripe with Glenfiddich signature notes, this scotch whisky ends its maturing life with a sublime finishing touch. After 21 years in one of their oldest stone-built warehouses in oak casks on earthen floors, the scotch whisky is moved to Caribbean rum casks. The result is a hint of banana, figs, toffee, new leather and oak on the nose with a long warming, dry and spicy finish. The dark gold liquid taste is vibrant, drying and peppery with a touch of smoke, oak, lime, ginger and spices. You can buy the Glenfiddich 21 Year Old in our online store.
Glenfiddich IPA Experimental Cask
In collaboration with a Speyside brewer, Glenfiddich’s malt master created a new craft IPA. Using bespoke IPA barrels the single malt has zesty citrus notes of ripe green apple, pear and spring blossoms. There is also a tang of fresh hops and then long-lasting sweetness. We also stock the Glenfiddich IPA Experimental Cask in our online store.
Whether it’s a time-honoured Glenfiddich scotch whisky you are after or you’re keen to try their rule breaking IPA Experimental, call in store, click on the links above or contact the team at Copper & Oak.
