Glenfiddich, the leading Single Malt Scotch Whisky Brands produced by Willian Grant & Sons.  The globally popular brand’s history has been the largest selling brand.  They have been in business since 1886 and have whiskies aged between 12-64yrs.  Some of the Single Malt appear in the top-10 costliest single-malt drinks available in the globe.  The brand recently hosted an event in Olive – Bar & Kitchen, Bangalore to showcase their core range of single-malts (12, 15, 18 & 21yrs old) and cocktails.  Event was called – Cocktail Reimagined with Glenfiddich.

Event Highlights

Glenfiddich, awarded for its passion towards innovation, pushes the boundaries of convention further by launching Cocktails Reimagined- a selection of exotic cocktails with the finest ingredients painstakingly handpicked from diverse parts of India. Re-defining the rules of traditional cocktail making, the cocktails have been created with the Glenfiddich 12-, 15-, 18- and 21-year old single malt.

James Pennefather (Managing Director, William Grand & Sons India) spoke about the drive within the company for Innovation.  He mentioned about the unconventional approach to come up with uniquely tasting cocktails.  Cocktails Reimagind seems have been the ideal name given to this new cocktail journey.  James shared his happiness because the Karnataka Government has reduced excise taxes on imported liquor.  This will enable the price of the single-malt to be reduced by nearly 30-40%.

Yangdup Lama, India’s best-known mixologist, was instrumental in skilfully hand-crafting the cocktails with Glenfiddich and bring to life a truly unforgettable experience.  Yang made two cocktails with the Glenfiddich 18yr & 21yr Single Malt, explained the finer details.

Vishal Rawal (CEO SV Distributor), Vijay Rekhi and Angad (Brand Ambassador of Glenfiddich) were also present at the event.  They spoke about the increase in the consumption of Single Malt among consumers across India.

This was also an opportunity to meet some of the representatives from Glenfiddich like Angad (Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich), Raunaq Sethi (Distributors of Glenfiddich in India) and Yangdup Lama.  They shared insight about the growth of the brand over the years.

New Cocktails

Single Malt Lowers usually love to drink it neat and enjoy the subtle taste of Apricot, Oak.  Few whisky lovers also manage to get the floral smell and many more finer details.  But there are many who might find it strong and would rather enjoy it in the form of Cocktail.   Glenfiddich recognized this need and came up with 6 new cocktails made with differently aged Glenfiddich.

Moon Spring

The Glenfiddich 21 Year Old comes alive with its nuanced rum character as it combines with Silver Tips Full-moon Tea. The Nasturtium Orange ice cube enhances the peppery finish of the 21 Year Old. Plucked only on one full-moon night every year, just for a minute short of 3 hours, they say it is a cosmic confluence that makes Silver Tips Imperial Darjeeling Tea magical.

Darjeeling Mail Old Fashioned

The full-bodied aroma of the Darjeeling Castleton Muscatel extract combines with the rich fruity notes of the Glenfiddich 18 Year Old to enhance its sherry character. The magical expression of the cocktail changes with every sip, thanks to the marigold finish. A result of the finest Chinese saplings planted 125 years ago, the Castleton Muscatel second flush, over time, has acquired a sobriquet that’s anything but Chinese. The Champagne of Teas.

Nutty Rob Roy

The best Kashmiri walnuts complement the nuttiness of our 15 Year Old Expression. A fine touch of palm sugar and a black pepper cordial bring the complexity alive. The result? A sweetness that lingers. The oldest tree food known to man. Rembrandt’s wonder ink. A Chinese investor’s wonder stock. No wonder the walnut was once only reserved for royalty.

Brahmaputra Boat

The finest bay leaf from Assam and exquisite cinnamon from Kerala combine to make a cordial that gives the World’s Most Awarded single malt, the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old a rightful, full-bodied, spicy finish. Bay leaf and cinnamon. Gifts fit for monarchs, symbols of honour since the dawn of civilisation and waxed eloquent by poets including Apollo, the Greek God of Poetry.

Speyside Tiramisu

The fruit-forward notes of the Glenfiddich 12 Year Old combine with the tangerine sweetness and intense aromas of the Gung Giri estate’s premium coffee. The finish is celebratory almost, with orange oils, cinnamon spice and caramel to round up all things whisky. Around 400 years ago, someone stole 8 seeds from the Arabs and planted them in Chikmagalur. Today, the whole world has an eye on the Gung Giri coffee blend.

Mulberry sparkle

The fruity notes of the 12 Year Old expression find the perfect partner in handpicked Figs from Gujarat. A fig puree complements the sweetness of the malt, and the splash of ginger juice gives it a spicy zing. A twist of lime juice makes for a surprising citrus finish. A mention in the Old Testament. Believed to be the first domesticated crop ever. Extolled for its restorative powers. The fig has surely stood the test of time.

Every cocktail was uniquely presented and tasted different.  I personally loved the Nutty Rob Boy, Brahmaputra Boat and Moon Spring.  The cocktails have been done so well that the original flavour of Single Malt can be felt in the drink.

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 1887. 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, Milagro Tequila and, most recently, Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey.

Overall Experience

This was one of the most unique event regarding Single Malt that I have attended.  The evening was pre-cursor to the innovative approach taken by big brands to give something unique for the customers.  Every cocktail introduced with the differently aged Single Malts tasted unique and told a story.  The cocktails have designed to let even a non-single malt consumer to attempt taking it and relish the flavours.

Reference

Glenfiddich
https://www.glenfiddich.com/