Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky Unveils Grand Chateau - A 31 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Finished in Bordeaux Red Wine Casks

NEW YORK (September 5, 2024): Today, Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky*, is releasing Grand Château – a 31-year-old single malt Scotch and the first release by the distillery to be finished in Bordeaux red wine casks. 

The latest addition to the Grand Series weaves the stories of the winding ‘Fiddich River’ in Speyside and the ports of Bordeaux. An unexpected fusion, Grand Chateau blends the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky* with casks from the world’s most premier wine region to create one exceptional Scotch whisky. Grand Château was matured in American oak casks for 22 years before being finished for 9 years in Bordeaux red wine casks from the French wine-growing region, resulting in a richer, fruitier flavor. 

“Bordeaux red wine casks are incredibly versatile sources of flavor and widely recognized for their outstanding quality, providing the perfect opportunity for experimentation to develop a profound spirit,"  said Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master. "Nine years spent cocooned in Bordeaux red wine casks results in an exceptionally vibrant liquid. Although wine is becoming an increasingly popular choice for maturation within the single malt category, it remains relatively rare to see whiskies finished in a Bordeaux red wine cask, making this an incredibly intriguing and highly collectible release.”

Grand Château notably has a nine-year finish, far surpassing the average maturation process and adding layers of new and unexpected flavors to the bottle. On the nose, it offers notes of warm, enveloping vanilla that slowly unveils the fruity, floral aromas of beautifully ripe cassis berries, complemented by piquant nutty aromas. The taste is indulgent and rich, featuring flavors of slowly caramelized cherries and apples that intertwine with an unmistakable warming spice and the subtle presence of toasted oak. The finish is everlasting with great depth and character. 

To celebrate the union of these two cultures and honor Glenfiddich’s deep connection to the arts, Glenfiddich has partnered with French artist André Saraiva to create two limited-edition packages for Grand Château. The first design features a whimsical and vibrant watercolor print on the inside of the Grand Château box, transforming it into a captivating collectible. The second design will see a smaller release with only 24 arriving in the U.S. Classified as "The Artist Edition," it features the traditional Toile de Jouy print with Saraiva’s signature motifs and style on the front of the box.

“Glenfiddich Grand Château is a stunning addition to our Grand Series, as the Bordeaux casks intensify the liquid’s classic character with notes of deep oak and vanilla,” said Lorne Cousin, U.S. National Ambassador for Glenfiddich. “This new expression further emphasizes our dedication to pushing the boundaries to create highly dynamic and unique spirits, while also bringing the rich history of Speyside and Bordeaux together in an unusual way.”

Grand Château is the second limited edition release from the Grand Series collection, joining Grand Yozakura, a limited edition 29 year old Scotch whisky launched last year and the first single malt Scotch whisky to be finished in rare ex-Awamori casks. Permanent expressions within the series include Grande Couronne, a 26 year old Scotch whisky matured in American and European oak casks finished for up to two years in meticulously sourced French Cognac casks; Grand Cru, aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks and then finished in French Cuvée oak casks; and Gran Reserva, carefully matured for 21 years in American Oak ex-Bourbon barrels and European Oak Oloroso Sherry casks before ??finished for up to four months in casks soaked with a custom blend of Golden rum.

Glenfiddich Grand Château will be available for a limited time at luxury whisky retail outlets and premium establishments in the U.S. for a SRP of $2,100. 

Skillfully Crafted, Enjoy Responsibly. Glenfiddich Grand Chateau Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 47.6% ABV ©2024 Imported by William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

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Tasting Notes

• Nose: Warm cocooning vanilla slowly unveils fruity, floral notes of beautifully ripe cassis berries and piquant nutty aromas
• Taste: Indulgent and rich, flavors of slowly caramelized cherries and apples intertwine with an unmistakable warming spice and toasted oak
• Finish: Everlasting depth and character
• Color: Distinctive reddish hue

ABOUT GLENFIDDICH

Founded in Dufftown, Scotland by innovator William Grant, Glenfiddich first ran from the stills on Christmas Day, 1887. Adopting revolutionary methods and practices Grant’s maverick attitude to whisky production saw Glenfiddich excel for over a hundred and thirty years, becoming the first single malt whisky to be promoted outside of Scotland, and ultimately, the best-selling and most awarded single malt whisky in the world*. While Glenfiddich is now sold in over 180 countries across the world, the brand is one of the few single malt distilleries to remain entirely family-owned and is still produced in the same distillery which William Grant and his children hand-built.   

Skillfully Crafted, Enjoy Responsibly. Glenfiddich ©2024 Imported by William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.

ABOUT WILLIAM GRANT & SONS

William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of hand-crafted 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® Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W.® Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder® Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Drambuie® Scotch Liqueur. 

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the US with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Drambuie, Milagro Tequila, Silent Pool Gin, Grant’s, Hudson Whiskey, Gibson’s Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka and Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur. 

ABOUT ANDRÉ SARAIVA

Graffiti was the first way in which artist André Saraiva made his mark on the world. 

André was born in Uppsala, Sweden, and grew up in Paris tagging his name on the neighborhood walls. There was a significant turning point in the history of street art, when André introduced a character into his graffiti - the cheerful, top-hatted stick figure, and now iconic Mr.A. As the first graffiti artist to paint a character in place of the traditional tag name, he quickly became known as Paris’ most active street artist. 

Since then, Mr.A has been painted over 300,000 times across six continents. André and his signature character have both appeared in many global brand collaborations and campaigns for over 30 years. André's work has been shown in museums and contemporary art galleries around the world, with the largest being a wall of tiles installed in Lisbon commissioned by the city that spanned over 10.000-square-foot. As an entrepreneur, André has created and curated experiences and spaces, as well as founded hospitality ventures including the world-famous night club Le Baron and boutique hotel group Hotel Amour. While André is a pioneer of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife, André has never put his spray can away.

In fact, he sees every one of his many ventures as part of the same irreverent lifelong art piece. One that he always approaches with a wink—just like his iconic graffitied alter- ego, Mr.A.