Glenfiddich unveils Winter Storm expression

William Grant & Sons has added to the Glenfiddich Experimental Series range with the launch of limited edition Glenfiddich Winter Storm, finished in icewine casks. 

Winter Storm is inspired by Glenfiddich malt master Brian Kinsman's visit to Peller Estate in Niagara. Kinsman returned to the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, where he started experimenting with several French oak Icewine casks from the Canadian winery – filling them with various Glenfiddich aged malts for up to six months.

Kinsman comments: “Only the rarer whiskies, those aged for 21 years, could cope with the extra Icewine intensity. Having more tannins, extracted from years in oak, these malts brought out a uniquely fresh lychee note instead of being swamped by sweetness.”

Peller Estates VP of winemaking, Craig McDonald adds: “It was a privilege to work with Brian on this experiment. We go to extreme lengths to produce our intensely sweet Icewine and are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of taste, so I was intrigued to see how it could be used to create a new unexpected whisky. The resulting liquid is a unique combination of the warming soul of whisky and the frozen cold of Icewine”.

Glenfiddich Winter Storm is the newest expression in the Glenfiddich Experimential Series line up, joining Glenfiddich IPA Experiment and Glenfiddich Project XX which both launched in 2016.

Glenfiddich Winter Storm will be available from October, priced at £199 at 43% ABV, in a white ceramic bottle and embossed presentation box.

25 September 2017 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, news editor