The Story Behind Glenfiddich's Spirit of Speyside 2020 Distillery Edition
As the exclusive online release of Glenfiddich's Spirit of Speyside 2020 Distillery Edition fast approaches, we are excited to share with you more details on the story behind this exceptionally rare liquid. The significance of this release; the unique set of circumstances that gave rise to the bottling and the unprecedented times that it represents, will be recognised by whisky lovers around the globe.
WHISKY SELECTION
Working tirelessly in the warehouse, warehouseman George Paterson drew initial samples from Glenfiddich's wares, working closely with Glenfiddich Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, to select the best one.
After careful consideration of Glenfiddich's maturing stocks, this special liquid which had spent 13 years maturing in the darkness of Glenfiddich’s Warehouse 26 was hand-picked by Brian.
The whisky had been filled into refill sherry butt no. 25427 on 24th May 2007, and is one of the rare casks filled at 65.8%. Retaining its strength surprisingly well, the whisky has been bottled at the unusually high cask strength of 65.07% ABV.
“It is a beautiful example of a sherry cask that still has a very recognisable Glenfiddich signature DNA at its heart. First fill sherry butts are usually dominated by oak, and some whiskies can be crushed by the cask. This refill sherry cask gives a lighter touch, allowing our orchard sweetness to shine through and be lifted by the oak.”
Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master
An exceptional rarity, with only 450 bottles produced, this particularly unique Glenfiddich due to its natural high cask-strength and single sherry cask maturation is expected to be especially sought-after amongst whisky lovers and connoisseurs around the world looking to get their hands on a rare and special Glenfiddich to add to their collection.
TASTING NOTES
Interested in what this special Speyside spirit could taste like?
Nose: Rich, vibrant and zesty. A few drops of water reveal orange oil and vanilla oak aromas complemented by layers of beeswax, polished sandalwood and dried bracken
Taste: Lively, silky smooth and incredibly sweet with a rich citrus and cinnamon-infused apple fruitiness
Finish: Succulent sweet fruit unfolding into a long-lasting oakiness
Brian Kinsman and Struan Grant Ralph, Global Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich, recommend adding a drop or two of water to this unique whisky to ‘open’ up the flavours and bring down the ABV a touch.
BOTTLING
As the operations of many distilleries across Scotland were put on hold as an effect of COVID-19, a number of staff at Glenfiddich distillery continued to show incredible dedication towards the creation of this Spirit of Speyside release and despite the circumstances worked hard to make this possibility a reality in an effort to support their local community.
Julie Ettles, who has been with the Glenfiddich team since 1994, hand scribed each label with the description, age, strength and bottle number of the whisky. Each bottle was then signed by Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, adding an extra special touch to this whisky and its collectibility.
Finally, gift shop team member Angela Johnston carefully filled, dressed and packed each bottle ready for auction.
This whisky is a homage to not only the Spirit of Speyside festival which was cancelled in its 21st year, but a commemoration of what has been a difficult year for Glenfiddich and many other distilleries. Most importantly, this release is a tribute to the craftsmen and women of Glenfiddich who brought this whisky to life under the most difficult of circumstances.
HOW TO TAKE PART?
The online auction of Glenfiddich's 2007 Spirit of Speyside Distillery Edition will start on 17th June 2020, at www.whiskyauctioneer.com and conclude from 7PM on 22nd June 2020.
100% of the sale revenues from the online auction, will go to three fantastic causes within the local Speyside community which have been hard-hit by COVID-19 and are in increasing need of support to continue their vital services. This auction will also be the only chance to get your hands on this exceptionally rare and special Glenfiddich release.
Find out more about the Speyside community and the three charities supported by this auction release: READ MORE.
To take part in the exclusive auction of these 450 limited edition bottles, you will need to register an account with Whisky Auctioneer: REGISTER NOW.
Not sure how an online auction works or how to place bids online? Our step-by-step guides and FAQs have been designed to guide newcomers as easily as possible through the process: LEARN MORE.
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