Glenfiddich embarks on Darwinian voyage of discovery with new, exclusive whisky

1 January 2013, Dufftown: Today, Glenfiddich releases the ‘Age of Discovery’ Red Wine Cask Finish, an adventurous whisky, bursting with flavour and inspired by Charles Darwin’s legendary voyage. Left for at least 19 years to mature, this whisky has been finished in casks which previously housed the full bodied red wines produced in South America and is available exclusively in Global Travel Retail.

This is the third innovative whisky in the ‘Age of Discovery’ range, following the famous journeys of the Glenfiddich Madeira Cask Finish and Bourbon Cask Reserve. It marks the first time ever in Glenfiddich’s history that a whisky has been finished in red wine casks. The ‘Age of Discovery’ Red Wine Cask Finish takes its influence from the renowned journey of HMS Beagle. Setting sail from Plymouth, England in 1831, its passengers included Charles Darwin, a young naturalist, who was invited onboard to record his observations as they explored the South American coast line.

Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman commented: “Inspired by Darwin’s famous voyage, this extraordinarily rich single malt Scotch whisky is finished in oak casks previously used to produce the smooth complex wines of South America.  After years of maturation, Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have combined with the oak to deliver exceptional smoothness, complimented by warm spicy notes with sweet berry flavours lending a velvety sweetness.”

He continued: “I have married together some of our most exciting whiskies to create this exclusive new whisky which truly celebrates and reflects pioneering spirit.”

Glenfiddich’s founder, William Grant, followed his vision – to make the best dram in the valley. This pioneering spirit lives on with the launch of another Glenfiddich first, inspired by the revolutionary voyage of an explorer who changed the way that we look at the natural world.

Adorned with striking illustrations that map the route of Charles Darwin’s journey, the bespoke packaging of ‘Age of Discovery’ Glenfiddich Red Wine Cask Finish showcases this unique expedition. Meanwhile the deep red box and the black glass bottle, embellished with a red cartouche compass, reflects the richness and exclusivity of this whisky, making it an ideal gift for the adventurous and discerning drinker.

The ‘Age of Discovery’ range celebrates the intrepid journeys of the most determined pioneers. The first in the range and released in 2011, ‘Age of Discovery’ Madeira Cask Finish, is inspired by the passage of the 15^th century Portuguese explorers who discovered Macau and Madeira and revolutionised our understanding of the world. This was followed by the ‘Age of Discovery’ Bourbon Cask Reserve in 2012, which marks the long journeys taken along the Mississippi in the deep American South in the 19^th century.

Completing the trio, the ‘Age of Discovery’ Red Wine Cask Finish has aromas of toasted marshmallow, red berry and vanilla oak tannin - ripe fruits and a hint of woody spice. It will be available exclusively in Global Travel Retail from January 2013.

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Notes to editors

• 70cl bottle with 40% ABV
• Glenfiddich Red Wine Cask Finish will be exclusively available in Global Travel Retail and The Glenfiddich Distillery Shop

Tasting notes: ‘Age of Discovery’ Glenfiddich Red Wine Cask Finish

Nose

• Toasted marshmallow, red berry and vanilla oak tannin - ripe fruits and a hint of woody spice

Taste

• Spicy notes on first taste – deep and smooth with velvety sweetness.  Rich oak notes and berry sweetness

Finish

• Sweet with a long lingering tannin

About William Grant & Sons and Glenfiddich

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1886. William Grant and his family set out to fulfill a lifelong ambition. Together, and with true pioneering spirit, they built The Glenfiddich Distillery by hand. This was a realization of a dream and the start of a new adventure. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, and most recently, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.

Recent Awards:

International Spirits Challenge 2012

• Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask 19 Year Old,
• Gold: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition
• Gold: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

International Wine and Spirit Competition 2012

• Gold Outstanding: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich Malt Master Edition Sherry Cask
• Gold: Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix
• Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve 19 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old

Scotch Whisky Masters Awards 2012

• Master: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old, Distillery Edition
• Gold: Glenfiddich Rich Oak & Glenfiddich 15 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask 19 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old
• Gold: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition

Glenfiddich became the first single malt ever to be exported outside of Scotland in 1963. It is now sold in over 180 countries around the world and has won 198 awards at international spirits competitions.

Click on www.williamgrant.com for more information on the Company and its brands

Press information: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.

Email: row@essentialcommunications.org