The Glenfiddich Experimental Series is designed to inspire unusual and unexpected variants, and sees the unveiling of Project XX (pronounced ‘twenty’), the result of one of the most ambitious malt experiments of its 130-year history. Glenfiddich Project XX is a collaboration between 20 whisky experts and Glenfiddich’s Malt Master, Brian Kinsman, who developed an unexpected, whisky by bringing together 20 special single malts.
Going against normal whisky making conventions, Kinsman invited 20 whisky experts from 16 countries around the world, to explore and each select a cask from a warehouse at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown After each expert had chosen a single cask of whisky, from aged malts matured in port pipes to ancient sherry butts and first fill bourbon casks, Kinsman produced the final variant to reflect their individual tastes and interests. Expertly married together in a small batch vatting, the final flavour profile defied even his expectations.
Kinsman syas, “The Experimental Series is an example of our long illustrious history of innovation and having the confidence to try new things in an unconventional way. The 20 whiskies selected include some of our most astonishing whiskies chosen for their taste profile and rarity, and it was an exciting challenge to marry them together in a way that did justice to the original sources.’’
Kinsman adds, “The final liquid was exceptional – and a special tribute to each individual cask the malts came from. The Glenfiddich Project XX we’re launching is a recreation of that initial small vatting. It has the warm summer fruity character of a classic Glenfiddich but then its ‘multiple personalities’ are revealed as the flavours of candyfloss, cinnamon spice, almonds and rich port tannins kick in with the odd hint of liquorice”
The Glenfiddich Experimental Series launches in South Africa this October, retailing at R999.00 in all leading liquor outlets.