William Grant & Sons brings new expressions to the Summit of the Americas

Against a backdrop of continuing positive results in the Americas, William Grant & Sons returns to Orlando this year for the Summit of the Americas where it will be presenting to buyers the latest products in its diverse portfolio of premium spirits (booth 100.)

First up is the Glenfiddich Experimental Series. Launched initially to selected domestic markets in September 2016 with phenomenal success, this new range combines the brand’s passion for pushing Scotch whisky boundaries and collaborating with trailblazers beyond the world of whisky. Designed to inspire unusual and unexpected variants, the series has seen the launch of two initial releases: the Glenfiddich IPA Experiment and Project XX.

The Glenfiddich IPA Experiment marks the world’s first single malt Scotch whisky finished in India Pale Ale (IPA) craft beer casks. Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman created the Glenfiddich IPA Experiment in collaboration with a local Speyside craft brewer, who shares a passion for innovative flavours. They worked together to create a zesty IPA that would season the whisky casks.  Brian is the pioneer behind this new single malt Scotch whisky imbued with zesty citrus and tangy hops from the oak casks that had previously held a bold Speyside IPA. In the process of Glenfiddich crafting a new whisky for the Glenfiddich Experimental Series, the pair also created a brand new IPA craft beer.

Project XX  is the result of one of the most ambitious malt experiments of its 130-year history; a collaboration between 20 whisky experts and Glenfiddich’s Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, who developed one unexpected, extraordinary whisky by bringing together 20 very special single malts.

The Glenfiddich IPA Experiment and Glenfiddich Project XX have a Recommended Retail Price of $55 and $60 respectively.  A GTR exclusive packaging format is planned for later this year.

Also highlighted is Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish, a blended Irish whiskey of exceptional flavour that shines with a golden amber glow. On the nose, the notes of vanilla and oak overlaid with citrus, ripe bananas and delicate spice bring you on a journey to the heart of the Caribbean. Incredibly smooth and rich, the creamy mouthfeel brings out the deliciously deep caramel and banana notes with dates and raisins evident. The finish is long and sweet with bananas and caramel lingering.

Bottled at an ABV of 43%, Tullamore D.E.W. XO Rum Cask Finish is a triple distilled, triple blend, triple wood matured, Demerara rum cask finished whiskey, available to purchase in select outlets around the world from an RRP of $35.00.

Says William Grant & Sons GTR Managing Director Ed Cottrell: “We’re back in Orlando for the new look Summit of the Americas after a really positive year for all our brands in 2017. The team in North and South America has worked amazingly hard against a challenging backdrop and it’s really paid dividends. Now we’re back with an incredibly exciting program for 2018 headed by the launch in the Americas of both the Glenfiddich Experimental Series and Tullamore D.E.W. XO Caribbean Rum Cask Finish, both of which visitors to our stand in Orlando will be able to sample.”

As always, the William Grant & Sons booth will include a fun, experiential element with visitors able to enjoy a taste of the brand activations which will be used in key airports this year, as well as discussing strategy for portfolio brands such as The Balvenie, the fast moving Monkey Shoulder, Sailor Jerry, Hendrick’s Gin and Drambuie.

Says Richard Bush, Regional Marketing Manager: “2017 saw the Americas region continuing on a very positive trajectory for our brands. Sales continued to rebound in Latin America and results in North America were very encouraging. Despite the unexpected challenges in the region posed by the impacts of hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, we managed to increase sales volumes in the region by a full 8% versus 2016. Heading into the new year we are confident that our much-loved brands will continue to outperform their respective categories. In particular, Monkey Shoulder is expected to be a standout in 2018.”